MATILDE: Migration impact assessment to enhance integration and local development in European rural and mountain areas

Horizon 2020

Spain, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Norway

2/1/2020 to 3/31/2023

COMPLETED

About

The local impact of migration in rural and mountain regions.

Language acquisition is vital for migrant economic and social inclusion, necessitating expanded access to training and practical learning. Motivation to learn the local language is enhanced by better job opportunities, but additional incentives are necessary for meaningful integration.
Labour market inclusion is crucial, requiring faster recognition of qualifications and alignment with local needs. Many migrants end up in low-paid jobs; thus, structured processes for recognizing both formal and informal skills can improve their employment prospects. Education and training programs must match regional labour demands to support long-term settlement and social integration.
Social and civic participation hinges on meaningful interactions and access to information, with proactive measures to combat discrimination. Migrants need better access to engagement opportunities, particularly women, who face more barriers. Building connections with the local community and authorities is essential, but discrimination and xenophobia pose significant challenges.
Long-term migrant settlement demands coordinated governance and place-based policies that recognize regional challenges. Collaboration among government levels and local support for migrant inclusion are critical. Tailored approaches in rural areas must consider local conditions and migrant needs, as migrants are more likely to stay where job opportunities align with their aspirations.

Policy recommendations – challenges and policy solutions for social and economic inclusion and rural development.
Toolbox – to assess the impact of migration in rural and mountain areas
Article – the social impact of immigration in Europe

 Jussi Laine, Professor of Multidisciplinary Border Studies, Karelian Institute, University of Eastern Finland

Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
Uppsala University
Kärnten University of Applied Sciences
University of Parma, Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research
University of Eastern Finland
New Bulgarian University
Istanbul Bilgi University
Høgskolen i Innlandet
Högskolen Dalarna University of Zaragoza
University of Turin
Bundesanstalt uur Agrarwirtschaft Und Bergbauernfragen / Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Austria
Hayata Destek Dernegi / Support to Life, Türkiye
Nacionalna Katolicheska Federacia Caritas Bulgaria
Okay.Zusammen Leben / Verein Aktion Mitarbeit, Austria
Landstinget Dalarna / Region Dalarna, Sweden
Stadt Villach / City of Villach, Austira
Siirtolaisuusinstituuttisäätiö / Migration Institute of Finland
Joensuun Seudun Monikulttuurisuusyhdistys Ry / Joensuu district multicultural association, Finland
Citta Metropolitana Di Torino / Metropolitan City of Turin, Italu
Caritas Diözese Bozen-Brixen, Italy
Tür An Tür - Integrationsprojekte Ggmbh, Germany
Gobierno De Aragón, / Government of Aragón, Departamento De Ciudadanía Y Derechos Sociales (Aragon), Spain
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
Oppland County Council, Norway