European Cities as Migration Policy Actors

Abstract

The article examines the urban dimension of cross-border migration to the EU countries and the role of cities in the political, economic and socio-cultural integration of labor migrants and refugees. Facing a sharp increase in migration flows, municipal administrations are forced to develop their own tools to tackle the migration challenges, which in some cases contradict the policies implemented at the national level. The main typological models of migration governance are considered. The key factors affecting urban approaches are identified, such as the nature and dynamics of migration flows, the distribution of competences between the central and local administrations, the balance of various actors in urban politics – municipal authorities, opposition parties and movements, civil society organizations. Particular attention is paid to the development of intercity cooperation in the field of migration, aimed at sharing experiences and best practices, providing mutual assistance in the resettlement of refugees, as well as joint lobbying of urban interests at the supranational level.