The Integration of Third-Country Nationals (INTI)

Period: 2007-2013

Budget: EUR 1.771 million

In line with the goals of the Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows Framework Programme, the Integration of Third-Country Nationals (INTI) influences the economic and social cohesion of the EU by aiming to integrate third country nationals in the Member States. In order to do so, the programme requires the development of national integration strategies for third country nationals and provides financial assistance to carry out the aims of the programme.

The Integration of Third Country Nationals programme is specifically aimed at:

• Third country nationals with authorisation to stay legally in a Member State, except for those who qualified as a refugee or are eligible for subsidiary protection

• Third country nationals in a third country, who are complying with the pre-departure conditions

The programme provides a common set of strategies and goals for the integration of third countries nationals in all Member States, with the exception of Denmark, which opted out of participation.

1. Common Admission Procedures

The INTI program encourages the establishment of common admission procedures among the Member States for migrants wanting to enter the EU using the following supported actions:

• Develop admission procedures

• Effective implementation of admission procedures, making sure the information is accessible to third-country nationals

• Support pre-travel measures to assist in the smooth integration of third- country nationals

2. Support Integration of Third Country Nationals

Ensuring efficient and effective integration of third country nationals in the EU can be achieved through the following supported activities:

• Improve the quality of introduction programmes, focusing on civic programmes

• Strengthen the programmes' ability to reach a wide range of groups, such as dependants of third-country nationals and those with disabilities

• Design flexible introduction programmes and activities, utilizing part time courses or e-learning systems

• Develop civic introduction programmes and activities aimed at young third country nationals with special social or cultural concerns

3. Increase Third Country Nationals' Participation in Society

In order to increase third country nationals' civic, cultural and political participation in their new society, the following actions and goals are supported:

• Support and develop awareness raising campaigns to encourage political paritpcation

• Develop citizenship and naturalisation preparatory programmes at the national level

• Encourage inter-faith and religious discussions

• Focus on increasing participation among certain groups such as dependants, children, women, elderly or persons with disabilities

• Allow for the involvement of migrants in the political process through advisory platforms

• Encourage migrants participation in local organisations

4. Improve Interaction with Third Country Nationals

In order to facilate a fast integration into the Host countries society, the programme seeks to reinforce and improve the capacity of Member States service providers to interact with third country nationals and organisations through the following actions:

• Support third country nationals contact with service providers

• Update information tools, such as websites

• Build new structures for integration and diversity management

• Strengthen the coordination of national integration strategies at various levels

• Establish methods of gathering information regarding the needs of migrants, such as through consultation, surveys and polls

5. Educate the Host Population

While most of the actions are aimed at the migrants, the host population must be encouraged to accept and integrate the new members of their society.

• Disseminate information within the host society on the introduction programmes and activities

• Improve societal acceptance of migration programmes

• Promote intercultural programmes or events

• Encourage a dialogue and exchanges among different cultures, especially among the youth

• Increase awareness on integration issues

• Encourage the involvement of private bodies and migrants in promoting and managing diversity

6. Improve Member States Integration Policies

In order to facilate smooth integration and equality among the Member States, the following action aims at enhancing Member States ability to develop, monitor and assess integration policies.

• Gather, analyse and disseminate statistics on integration

• Evaluate immigration and integration policies through national impact assessments

• Establish new indicators for measuring national progress

• Develop tests and evaluation techniques for integration programmes

• Disseminate surveys among third country nationals to measure their experience with programmes, enterprises, NGOs and other authorities

Note on the Budget:

Like the other Funds under the Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows framework programme, this programme is organised on a multiannual level, from 2007 to 2010 and from 2011 to 2013. The older members states receive EUR 300.000 per annum, while the states that joined on or after 1 May 2004 receive EUR 500.000 per annum. The rest of the budget will be split with 40% given to Member States in accordance with the proportion of third country nationals residing legally during the last three years and 60% in proportion with the number of third country nationals over the past three years that received authorisation to reside legally.

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