?Routes - The Way to Integration

On 28 October 2008 at the European Union Committee of the Regions in Brussels, Belgium, the final conference of the Project ?Routes: The Way to Integration? took place, funded by the European Commission INTI Programme. The conference was attended by representatives of ACIDI, I.P., together with representatives of the European Commission (DG ? Justice, Freedom and Security) and of the 16 partners in the project from 8 EU countries: Austria, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. The project, promoted by Veneto Lavoro of Italy, seeks to disseminate good practices throughout the 27 countries of the EU.

ACIDI, I.P., through its unit for research and international relations, was involved in the research work, which included gathering information, data and good practices on the integration of immigrants since June 2007. Three international reports resulted from this work, on good practices, on integration policies, and on the characterisation and mapping of NGOs that promote immigrant integration.

During the conference, various issues were discussed in relation to both the effective integration of immigrants and of the receiving society. As well as the presentation by ACIDI on the integration of immigrants in Portugal, there were many other interesting presentations, including those by the International Organization for Migration, the Autonomous Government of Valencia, Spain and the European Commission.

Following on from this event, during December there will be an exhibition about the Project in the architecturally significant Halles St-G?ry in Brussels. The exhibition, supported by Bruxelles Capitale, will exhibit to a broad public photographs, brochures, DVDs, music and other materials from various countries of the European Union. At the exhibition Portugal will also be highlighted with photographs and DVDs from the ?Choices? Programme projects and other materials on integration policies in Portugal.

More information available at: www.projectroutes.com.