Integration and inclusion at regional and local level
Ensuring effective integration and inclusion of third-country nationals is a necessary social and economic investment in the EU. It makes European societies more cohesive, resilient and prosperous. Integration and inclusion can and should be a winwin process, benefiting the entire society. In the Action plan on integration and inclusion 2021-20273 (the Action plan), the European Commission has set out strategic guidance and more than sixty concrete actions to promote integration and inclusion of third-country nationals and EU citizens with a migrant background. The Action plan covers all the different stages and phases of the integration process: predeparture measures, reception and early integration, medium- and long-term integration, which, all together, help build inclusive and cohesive societies. For the purpose of this call for proposals, “migrants” should be understood as thirdcountry nationals, including beneficiaries of international and temporary protection and applicants for international protection. This call for proposals includes some of the actions that are needed to achieve the objectives in the sectoral and horizontal areas of the Action plan on integration and inclusion.