Integration of migrants in European societies: integration policy and public opinion

Abstract

This paper focuses on the integration of migrants into the host society. There is still no unified theory of integration of migrants into the host society. However, the European tradition of migration research uses the concept of integration. The theoretical basis of the study is the dimensions of integration of migrants into the host society by Heckmenn: cultural integration, structural integration, interactive integration, identification integration.It is noted that the integration of migrants into the host society is a process of accepting migrants into the society, with the requirements for acceptance by the host country by society can vary significantly depending on the country. Thus, the integration policy of European countries is an important factor influencing this process. However, this process is not one-sided. Migrants also interact with and influence the host society.The author distinguishes between migration policy and integration policy regarding migrants in the host society. In particular, the article focuses on the integration policies of European countries. The main trends of European integration policies are analyzed on the basis of the Integration Policy Index. The data on integration policy are compared with the public opinion of the European population. Evidence of increasing improvements in the integration of migrants into European societies.The European Social Survey also demonstrates the differentiation of European countries by the level of treatment of immigrants in the three dimensionі. There is also an ambiguity between the public opinion and the integration policies of European countries.