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"Preamble" [2012] ELECD 1135; in Morano-Foadi, Sonia; Malena, Micaela (eds), "Integration for Third-Country Nationals in the European Union" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012) xx

Book Title: Integration for Third-Country Nationals in the European Union

Editor(s): Morano-Foadi, Sonia; Malena, Micaela

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9780857936813

Section Title: Preamble

Number of pages: 4

Extract:

Preamble
Madeline V. Garlick, Stephen Davies and
Adriano Silvestri*

According to the European Commission, the number of migrants from
non-EU Member States is around 20.2 million, representing about 4 per
cent of the Union's population.1 This is a significant figure which reflects
the increased diversity of European society.
At a time of economic instability and difficulty in many European
countries, however, there is a risk that public attitudes towards third-
country nationals may be negatively affected, making their integration in
the European Union more difficult. Cuts in services, such as integration
programmes including language training, as well as higher unemployment
generally, may reduce the opportunities for migrants and refugees to be
socio-economically self-sufficient. Public views of migrants and refugees
may be shaped by this perceived or actual lack of participation in or
contribution to the host society.
The European Commission, in the 2011 `European Agenda for the
Integration of Third Country Nationals',2 emphasises the need for a
positive attitude towards diversity, based on strong guarantees for funda-
mental rights and fair treatment as well as the mutual respect of different
cultures and traditions. It also recommends strengthened efforts to combat
discrimination and to give migrants instruments to become acquainted
with the fundamental values of the EU and its Member States. Thus,
sound strategies and dialogue between host societies and third-country
nationals could tackle xenophobia, meaning fear of the foreign, where it


* The views expressed are purely personal and do not necessarily reflect ...