Reinforcing multi-level policy coordination for integration in Italy

The European Commission together with the Council of Europe is supporting Italy in strengthening the multi-level and multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism on migrants’ integration policies.

Context

Integration policies in Italy are carried out by the State, regions and cities through a complex intergovernmental structure and an asymmetric multi-level system. National administrations share different competences in terms of migration and integration; 20 Regions – with a concurrent legislative power in labour, social, education and housing policies; 8000 Municipalities, 100 provinces and 10 metropolitan cities provide concrete services and integration measures.

This context entails persistent challenges in the coordination of policy development and their implementation, as well as mismatches between policies and actions at different levels of governance, thus risking hampering the integration outcomes for migrants with, ultimately, negative repercussion on the cohesion of the Italian society.

The project contributes to strengthening the coordination mechanisms, enhance the fundamental role played by all level of authorities for the integration and labour market inclusion of migrants.

Support delivered

The Commission, in collaboration with the Council of Europe, is supporting the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies to:

• Provide legal and technical advice to identify the most suitable framework for the development of a coordination mechanism on integration.  

• Support the activation of the coordination mechanism involving authorities at national, regional and local level 

• Promote national exchanges and workshops on main sectoral integration policy areas, discuss priorities, methodologies, expectations and good practices. 

Furthermore, the project will ensure better alignment and co-ordination of policy objectives and measures, synergies between the different levels of government, and optimal use of resources, including EU funds.

Results achieved

The project will improve Italy’s multi-level and multi-stakeholder coordination on integration policies as well as strengthen the capacities of key stakeholders to work in synergy with migrants’ integration needs in a more effective and efficient way. In the long term, this is expected to enhance central coordination of the State with regional and local authorities, and thus reduce regional and social disparities.  

Its expected impact is a better socio-economic integration of migrants, across the county.