The European Platform of Integrating Cities (EPIC) is a 3-year project, which aims to improve migrants integration at local level by creating a European network of local authorities (LAs) and their implementing partners (NGOs).
EPIC will (1) share knowledge and best practices of migrants’ integration, (2) engage in peer-to-peer exchanges based on common priorities and different expertise, (3) implement efficient integration practices within local territories, and (4) develop capacities to counter the negative narratives on migration.
LAs and NGOs of the EPIC project will affect a more efficient management of migrants’ integration thanks to a permanent and sustainable EU-wide network for the exchange of best practices on migrants’ integration beyond the EPIC project.
During the 3-year project, EPIC will carry out the following activities:
RESEARCH about migrants’ integration services in each territory of the project through surveys, interviews, focus groups and desk-based research
CAPACITY BUILDING to ensure the transfer of expertise on integration practices among LAs and NGOs via ‘Job Shadowing’ activities
8 PILOTS PROJECTS to face the concrete needs of each LA by testing new integration services at local level
NETWORKING AND POLICY HARMONIZATION to foster dialogue among key stakeholders at local and EU level, favouring the emergence of joint policies
ACTIVITIES ON NARRATIVES to manage information and news on migration and develop counter-narratives campaigns
Lead by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), the EPIC project involves partners coming from 10 countries: Belgium (Brussels), Croatia (Sisak), France (Strasbourg), Germany (Oberhausen), Greece (Ioannina and Thessaloniki), Italy (Brescia and Sardinia Region), Poland (Gdansk), Portugal (Lisbon), Spain (Alcorcon), and the United Kingdom (London).
AEIDL is a cross-cutting partner in charge of the communication and dissemination strategy and plan of the project, which includes the launching of local campaigns to defeat wrong stereotypes and misconceptions about migrants, organisation of thematic webinars, or developing knowledge-based visual materials such as videos, the project platform or infographics among other activities.