On 5 March, the first of seven Brussels Debates was held in the Residence Palace in Brussels in the framework of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. The topic, the “Impact of Migration on Intercultural Dialogue” provoked a lively debate, with interventions from special guests Franco Frattini and Cem Özdemir as well as from keynote speakers Bashy Quarishy and Joris Rijbroek.
In his speech, Vice-President of the European Commission, Franco Frattini, responsible for justice, freedom and security, presented the global approach towards immigration at the EU level, of which integration is one of the main pillars. "No immigration without integration" sums up EU policy in this field,
in which intercultural dialogue is one of the main instruments for
mutual knowledge and better living together. Vice-President Frattini
also stressed the role of local governments and of the active
participation from civil society, especially in educating young
children, and in promoting mutual respect and the benefits of cultural
diversity. Intercultural dialogue in the field of integration should be
based on human rights and fundamental freedoms and should be nourished
by examples of best practices based on grassroots experience.
Bashy Quraishy underlined that integration is a two-way process that
requires efforts from both sides — the 'host' community as well as
those moving into it — for which he had concrete proposals for
successful integration. Intercultural dialogue does not happen in a
vacuum, it has economic and social preconditions. The dialogue should
evolve into intercultural cooperation, where all groups living in a
society build a common future. He highlighted the importance of
promoting intercultural dialogue, especially in the light of the
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, and referred to Mahatma
Ghandi, who, upon being asked “How should we rate a society?", famously
answered, "By evaluating how they treat their minorities.”
The audience was then given the floor, and a vigorous debate ensued.
Thereafter, Joris Rijbroek drew upon the example of the city of Amsterdam, in which there are no "minorities" and no "majority", since more than half of the population has a non-Dutch background. Consequently, the city's integration policy focuses on the social and economic preconditions, motivating people to take part and be part of Dutch society wherever they may come from. Mr Rijbroek outlined some practical examples from recent integration projects that have been funded and implemented by the city of Amsterdam. These included, for example "the City Olympics", where the inhabitants of the culturally diverse city districts competed in various disciplines such as cooking or dancing.
The German MEP, Mr Cem Özdemir, of Turkish origin, talked of migration and integration policies at national level, describing integration is a top priority for "old" and "new" Member States alike. But he also focussed on the local level, where both the "majority" and the "minority" groups need to be prepared with the proper tools and competences to understand each other. He pointed out that with all the emphasis being placed on the plight of minorities, too little attention has been paid so far to the needs of the host communities in general — "After all, we are asking a lot from them," he said, "but not much is done to prepare them for the changes they face."
Mr Özdemir continued by pointing out that a separation between politics and religion and a respect for the national constitutions are some of the basic principles for a meaningful debate on integration. Last but not least, he noted that that most migrants have chosen to live in the host societies where they are, and that they want to participate actively to the development of these societies, which in return will affect them positively. Wisdom and participation are essential to start this virtuous circle.
The debate was organised by the European Commission in co-operation with the European Policy Centre (EPC). The discussion continues online in the forum for the Brussels Debates until 12 March 2008 at www.dialogue2008.eu
The series of Debates will resume with a focus on Arts and Culture in intercultural dialogue on 2 April 2008.
To register for the forthcoming debates in the 'Brussels Debates' series, send an e-mail to brussels-debates@media-consulta.com.
Author: European Commission
