From intention to implementation based on European know-how

We applied for this project because of the growing need for comprehensive and practical European immigrant and refugee integration models. Creative Europe EWIV, with its extensive experience in immigrant integration, identified the need to develop a standardised European Model of Migrant and Refugee Integration (EMI) to guide and support organisations working in this field. While the primary focus of the project partners was on migrants and refugees from Eastern Europe, the partners also considered the needs of people from other regions, recognising their diverse challenges. We believe that a collaborative approach involving partners from Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Norway, Portugal and Ireland is essential to develop a model that reflects the diverse realities of migrant integration across Europe. The project partners believe that the project's work and its results address the urgent need for holistic, adaptive, inclusive, and effective integration models. Through this project, we aimed to empower organisations working with migrants and refugees to promote intercultural understanding and create sustainable solutions that facilitate the successful integration of all migrants, regardless of their background.

The project “From intention to implementation based on European know-how” aimed to achieve several key objectives related to integrating migrants and refugees across Europe. The main objective was to develop and disseminate a comprehensive understanding of the integration process using the European Model of Migrant and Refugee Integration (EMI), based on the four levels of George Ritzer’s sociological theory. By studying integration practices in the partner countries – Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Norway – the partners aimed to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations by creating National Models of Migrant and Refugee Integration. One of the main objectives was to increase awareness and understanding of the complex integration process among stakeholders, including policymakers, organisations and the general public. The project “From idea to implementation based on European know-how” aimed to create a comprehensive, accessible and practical model for understanding and supporting migrant and refugee integration. By raising awareness, promoting cooperation and providing concrete tools and examples, the project aimed to improve the effectiveness of integration efforts across Europe.

In implementing the project "From intention to implementation based on European know-how", the partners organised and conducted a three-day staff and learners training in Sofia, Bulgaria, on the topic "We are building a society" 13 April – 17 April 2022, Sofia, Bulgaria. A total of 31 participants participated in the event. Prof. Alexander Fedotov, the Academic Society of Bulgaria, organised the training. The training was prepared and implemented by BAGREVA EKATERINA. During the training, the participants got acquainted with J. Ritzer's model and the concepts of integration and cultural competence, which helped them work on the future EMI integration model. The partners also organised and conducted seven transnational meetings, including a kick-off meeting in Germany: *The TPM1 Kick-off meeting, 30 April 2022 – 3 May 2022, Neustrelitz, Germany. A total of 19 participants took part in the event. The meeting was organised and implemented by Creative Europe EWIV. *TPM2, November 24-27, 2022, Galway, Ireland. A total of 18 participants took part in the event. Organiser: MULTICULTURAL CLUB ALLIANCE. Methodological implementation BAGREVA EKATERINA. *The TPM3, April 27, 2023 – April 30, 2023, Sofia, Bulgaria. A total of 18 participants took part in the event. Organiser: Society of the Russian Academy in Bulgaria Prof. Alexander Fedotov. Methodological implementation BAGREVA EKATERINA. *The transnational project meeting TPM4, which had 34 participants, took place from 7 to 10 December 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. The meeting was organised and implemented by Creative Europe EWIV. Methodological implementation BAGREVA EKATERINA. *Creative Europe EWIV organised and hosted the national project meeting in Goslar, Germany, from 12 to 14 August 2022. Eight participants from the German project group attended. *The TPM4, which had 34 participants, occurred from 7 to 10 December 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. Creative Europe EWIV organised and implemented the meeting. Methodological implementation was BAGREVA EKATERINA. *The transnational meeting of the TPM5 project in Italy was held in Treviso from September 28 to October 1, 2023. Eighteen people, including the entire Italian team, took part. Organiser: Center for Transnational Development of Italy and Russia. Methodological implementation of the Center for Transnational Development of Italy and Russia. *The TPM6 project in Norway was held from 16 to 19 March 2024 in Oslo, and 13 people participated. Organiser: BAGREVA EKATERINA. Methodological implementation BAGREVA EKATERINA. *The TPM7, June 20 – June 23, 2024, Brussels, Belgium. The project partners' and volunteers' last working meeting, which had 20 participants, took place from June 20 to 23, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium. Organiser: MULTICULTURAL CLUB ALLIANCE. Methodological implementation EKATERINA BAGREVA. At the meetings, the partners discussed current issues on the project and its results. Project management and implementation activities (see appendix) The multi-event in Dortmund, Germany, occurred on December 7, 2024. The participants were MSOs (self-organisations of migrants from Germany). The multi-event in Oslo, Norway, occurred on November 18, 2023. A round table was arranged with a presentation of the EMI and its applications in Oslo.

The project partners divided the results into two groups: tangible and intangible. The tangible results include: Creation of the EMI – the European Model for the Integration of Migrant and Refugee People: The project's main tangible result is the development of the EMI, a comprehensive model based on George Ritzer’s model of social reality. This model provides a structured framework for understanding and promoting the integration of migrants and refugees at different levels, offering practical guidance to organisations and policymakers involved in integration efforts across Europe. National Integration Models: The partners in Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Norway, and Portugal developed and documented detailed national integration models. These models illustrate each country's approaches and strategies, highlighting promising practices and unique challenges in integrating migrants and refugees in different national contexts. Creation of the book “Integration: The Stories Behind the Myths”: A book was published in which the project partners described their integration experiences. This publication is a valuable resource that offers ideas, case studies, and lessons learned from the practical application of integration strategies in the participating countries. Interactive platform: An interactive platform was created to host the project description and all related outputs. This platform provides a dynamic and user-friendly way for stakeholders to interact with the project content, access the EMI model, explore national integration examples and engage with multimedia materials such as reports and case studies. Photo and video report of project activities: A comprehensive photo and video report documenting all project activities was produced. These visuals capture the events, workshops, and interactions during the project, providing an engaging way to showcase the project’s journey and impact. Intangible results include: Increased awareness of integration policies: The project significantly increased awareness of integration policies for migrants and refugees in European countries. Disseminating the EMI model and national integration examples educated stakeholders on the complexities and importance of effective integration strategies. Improved teamwork skills: The project's collaborative nature contributed to developing teamwork skills among partners. Working across countries and cultures, partners improved their ability to collaborate, communicate, and manage tasks effectively in a diverse team environment. Gained knowledge in cultural competence: Partners gained valuable knowledge in cultural competence, improving their understanding of different cultural traditions and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in integration work. This knowledge is crucial for working effectively with migrants and refugees from other regions. Expanded partner network of organisations: The project contributed to expanding a partner network of organizations working on integrating migrants and refugees across Europe. This extended network provides opportunities for ongoing cooperation, resource sharing and strengthening integration efforts on a larger scale. Promotion of partner organisations at the European level: The project has increased the visibility and recognition of partner organisations at the European level. The dissemination of project results and active participation in the European integration network have increased the credibility of these organisations, positioning them as key players in the field of migrant and refugee integration. Raising the profile of partner organisations: Participation in an innovative European project has positively impacted the profile of partner organisations at local, regional and European levels. The project has demonstrated its commitment to solving critical societal challenges and its ability to contribute to meaningful change, enhancing its reputation among stakeholders. Experience gained in implementing innovative European projects: The partners have gained valuable experience in implementing innovative European projects, strengthening their project management skills, understanding European funding mechanisms and ability to navigate complex multi-country initiatives. This experience will be helpful for future projects and cooperation in the European context.