Quelle: The Guardian | 4.4.2016
By Ellie Violet Bramley
European cities struggling to deal with the ongoing impact of the migration crisis should have greater policy input – at both EU and national level – and more direct access to funding, according to a report released in Brussels today.
The EuroCities report, based on a survey of 34 of cities in 17 EU states plus Norway, finds that, although there has been a strong urban dimension to the refugee crisis since last summer, cities continue to lack a seat at the table when it comes to policy.
“The role of cities as first points of arrival, transit hubs and ultimate destinations is well established and widely acknowledged by institutions and stakeholders at national and European level,” the report states.
“Funding for integration must reach the local level without filters or barriers,” it suggests. “Cities must be able to determine their priorities and target groups, as they know exactly what is needed in terms of integration.”