Under the auspices of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU, Federal Minister Horst Seehofer today chaired an informal dialogue on integration and social cohesion. The conference hosted by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community was attended by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson; the Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration, Annette Widmann-Mauz; representatives of EU member states; and the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, among other guests. The conference was held as an online event.

The event started with the question of how European societies can shape integration to make the best of opportunities and challenges associated with migration.

Dr Markus Kerber, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, said: "Integration and social cohesion are fundamental to an open society – not only in Germany or other individual member states but in all of Europe. That’s why today’s dialogue is so important: we are generating new momentum for integration and social cohesion across all policy fields and areas of responsibility at European level."

Minister of State Annette Widmann-Mauz said: "The EU’s new Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion gives particular momentum to the advancement and equal participation of women. Women are role models and drivers of integration, both in and beyond their own families. The Action Plan can guide all 27 member states in advancing their national integration policy in various fields: teaching of language and values; education and training; better access of migrants to health services; fighting discrimination on the housing market; and strengthening participation in society."

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said: "Integration and inclusion of newcomers is a cornerstone of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. Everyone with the right to stay in the EU can and should be supported to fully participate in our societies. To address current barriers to integration we need the support and commitment of all actors concerned: governments, local authorities and host communities, social and economic partners, civil society, and migrants themselves. The new Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion will support these efforts and contribute to the long-term prosperity and cohesion of European society."

Michael O'Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, said: "While EU member states face serious challenges dealing with new arrivals and their integration, we can address these challenges with smart and thoughtful policies across Europe so that those who are allowed to stay in Europe can become full members of our societies."

Participants discussed how to create lasting conditions to enable every migrant to participate more quickly in the social, economic and cultural life of the host member state on an equal footing.

The European Commission presented the main features of the Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion, which is part of its New Pact on Migration and Asylum. The Action Plan, to be presented by the end of the year, is intended to support the efforts of the member states and encourage exchange among them. The discussion paid particular attention to the role of women in the integration process, and participants shared various ideas for supporting women in that role.