News

• The protocol developed by the European project “EPIC-UP” offers tools for municipalities and communities to integrate the migrant voice into local decision-making

• The tool is based on the project's experience in six European countries —Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain— and compiles proven methods to foster collaboration between local actors and migrant communities.

The EPIC-UP project , funded by the European Union and launched with the mission of improving the integration and inclusion of migrants at the local level, in both rural and urban areas, through the design of a multi-stakeholder collaboration model, has presented a practical guide for local authorities, civil society organizations, and migrant-led entities. Its objective : to promote the participation of migrants in the design and implementation of inclusive integration policies.

The tool draws on the project's experience in six European countries—Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Spain —and compiles proven methods for fostering collaboration between local stakeholders and migrant communities. Its approach is adaptable to different contexts, from large cities to small towns.

Practical guide

The guide is structured around three key areas:

• Effective communication : strategies for reaching diverse groups, considering languages and specific needs.

• Community mobilization : techniques to involve hard-to-reach groups and strengthen their role in the community.

• Public consultation and dialogue : tools to ensure meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

Furthermore, it incorporates the principle of intersectionality , recognizing that factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status influence the migrant experience. This means that being a young migrant worker is not the same as being an older person seeking asylum, for example. Therefore, the guide encourages adapting the approach to each person's reality.

Real inclusion

Migration in Europe is not an isolated phenomenon, but a process shaped by geopolitical changes. As migrant communities become an integral part of local populations, integration strategies must be genuine. Therefore, EPIC-UP emphasizes that successful integration depends on cooperation among multiple actors: local authorities, NGOs, migrant-led associations, and educational institutions all have a role to play. “Participation is not a luxury; it is the foundation for building inclusive and resilient communities,” the EPIC-UP team states. In a European context marked by social and demographic changes, EPIC-UP is committed to going beyond simply providing services: creating environments where migrant voices are truly heard.

You can download the guide in Spanish here .