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Valuing diversity: guidance for labour market integration of migrants

Box 1 Common basic principles (CBP) for the integration of third-country
migrants

CBP 1 Integration is a dynamic, two-way process of mutual accommodation by all
immigrants and residents of Member States.
CBP 2 Integration implies respect for the basic values of the European Union.
CBP 3 Employment is a key part of the integration process and is central to the
participation of immigrants, to the contributions immigrants make to the
host society, and to making such contributions visible.
CBP 4 Basic knowledge of the host society’s language, history, and institutions is
indispensable to integration; enabling immigrants to acquire this basic
knowledge is essential to successful integration.
CBP 5 Efforts in education are critical to preparing immigrants, and particularly
their descendants, to be more successful and more active participants in
society.
CBP 6 Access for immigrants to institutions, as well as to public and private goods
and services, on a basis equal to national citizens and in a non-
discriminatory way is a critical foundation for better integration.
CBP 7 Frequent interaction between immigrants and Member State citizens is a
fundamental mechanism for integration. Shared forums, intercultural
dialogue, education about immigrants and immigrant cultures, and
stimulating living conditions in urban environments enhance the
interactions between immigrants and Member State citizens.
CBP 8 The practice of diverse cultures and religions is guaranteed under the
Charter of Fundamental Rights and must be safeguarded, unless practices
conflict with other inviolable European rights or with national law.
CBP 9 The participation of immigrants in the democratic process and in the
formulation of integration policies and measures, especially at the local
level, supports their integration.
CBP 10 Mainstreaming integration policies and measures in all relevant policy
portfolios and levels of government and public services is an important
consideration in public policy formation and implementation.
CBP 11 Developing clear goals, indicators and evaluation mechanisms are
necessary to adjust policy, evaluate progress on integration and to make
the exchange of information more effective.

The common basic principles establish the logic of interaction between
European societies and third-country immigrants, laying down the path for
participative integration, based on mutual adaptation and respect. The principles
briefly map the basic skills and knowledge necessary for successful integration,
and the diverse dimensions for integration. They also highlight the need for
adequate support services for this process, laying down the path for national
development of career guidance for immigrants.
The first edition of a handbook on integration for policy-makers and
practitioners (European Commission, 2004) was published in November 2004 by
the European Commission, providing good practices drawn from the experience
of policy-makers and practitioners across Europe. Further editions were released

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