Brussels - The European Commission on Monday said it was
giving new funds to support cross-border projects aimed at improving
the integration of immigrants in the 27-member European Union.
Some four million euros (5.4 million dollars) would be made
available for 12 initiatives that 'encourage dialogue with civil
society, develop integration models, seek out and evaluate good
practice in the integration field and set up networks at European
levels,' the commission said.
The EU executive also said it was about to publish the new version
of a handbook on integration, designed to help member states draw up
integration policies.
The guidelines would include best practices in improving
immigrants' access to housing and employment in the EU.
EU integration ministers meeting in Potsdam, Germany, later this
week are expected to discuss ways to improve member states'
cooperation in integration policies and to strengthen the dialogue
with other cultures.
German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, whose country
currently runs the rotating EU presidency, said last week that
'achieving full integration and ensuring equal opportunities (of
immigrants living in Europe) is one of the most important challenges
of EU home affairs policy.'
He also said that 'intercultural dialogue is particularly
important for ensuring stability and internal security, given the
growing Muslim population in many (EU) member states.'
Schaeuble suggested earlier this year that EU states should train
Islamic preachers so they could help integrate Muslims into European
society rather than promote separation.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur 
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