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

Governance

Funding

Horizon 2020

Geographic focus

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

Dates

2/1/2020 to 3/31/2023

COMPLETED

About

The local impact of migration in rural and mountain regions.

Key Findings

  • 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.

Highlighted Publications and Tools

  • 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
Visit the website

Coordinator

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

Partners

  • 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

Contacts

jussi.laine@uef.fi

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