National Frameworks and the Implementation of Local Policies: is a European model of integration identifiable?

Abstract

This paper examines the notion of integration in the five main migrant receiving countries of the European Community, namely, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. I argue that the term ‘integration’ is used in these countries primarily as a political concept of convenience to manage migrant relations. The result has been the diverse application of the term from one country to another. This is illustrated at the economic level by different degrees of economic integration, different strategies to develop social cohesion and politically through different arrangements for consultation and political participation. The paper then argues that integration also involves a longer term and universal process of adaptation. It is suggested that nation states might more usefully build their integration policies around the latter processes and identifies a number of minimum conditions for integration.