EUMINT (Euroregions, Migration and Integration)

The EUMINT project strengthens institutional cross-border cooperation between Italy and Austria in the territories of Südtirol-Alto Adige, Tirol, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Kärnten, Veneto and Trentino in order to tackle the social, economic, political and cultural challenges connected to migration. The project focuses on three dimensions of the integration of asylum seekers and refugees: Cross-border integration, civic integration, and labor integration. Firstly, the project promotes institutional cooperation through the exchange of experiences between project partners via field visits, ideas labs and recommendations for institutions operating at different levels in the field of integration. Secondly, the project develops and tests innovative teaching materials on civic integration and common European values and trains social workers and professionals working in the field of welfare and social care. The aim is to promote awareness of common values (as mentioned in the EU Treaty of Lisbon) among asylum seekers and refugees as well as local population. Lastly, through participatory processes, the project designs long-term instruments for the evaluation of formal and informal competences aimed at a better integration of asylum seekers and refugees in the labor market. Seventeen partners, from academia as well as from public administration and NGOs, are involved in the project. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Interreg V-A Italy-Austria program 2014-2020. At the Paris Peace Forum, the EUMINT project will present new tools and materials, in particular the EUMINT interactive board game called ‘The House of Values’. EUMINT civic integration encounters aim to spread peace in countries by establishing solidarity among different groups and creating a baseline of values and skills without requiring individuals to sacrifice their differences. EUMINT encounters help to understand both rights and obligations and strengthen the bonds of mutual understanding between people from diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition, attending EUMINT encounters means meeting other people and improving language skills. Lastly, the EUMINT civic educators can address issues which suit the interests of the participants and share their perspectives on the importance of values.