Uneven availability of migrant integration statistics at local level: The scope of integration-related data available to cities across Europe differs widely: with regard to statistical indicators, availability on small spatial scales, or used socio-statistical concepts. While in some countries sophisticated integration monitoring exists, sometimes also at local/regional levels, many cities lack appropriate tools for evidence-based integration policies. Cross-country comparability of data produced in national contexts is low. 

No comparable integration indicators at urban-regional level: Efforts to create EU (‘Zaragoza’) indicators for immigrant integration have achieved a set of regularly reported, common indicators mostly based on the exploitation of EU-wide standardised sample surveys. Until the Urban Agenda Partnership started its work, these EU integration indicators did not have a sub-national dimension. A common core set of continuously updated integration indicators at urban-regional level is crucial for assessing policy needs and outcomes across the EU, targeted funding decisions and informing EU policies. 

Increased attention for data at urban/regional level, but need for cities’ involvement, exchange and synergies: A new interest and demand exists for integration data at urban-regional level, including integration indicators that are comparable across countries (e.g. the recent initiatives led by the OECD, JRC, or ESPON). There is a need for involving cities in the debate and for reflection as to how these different actors and actions can best relate to each other, become mutually reinforcing and contribute to an emerging common agenda. 

Little knowledge transfer among cities on evidence-based integration policymaking: A wealth of experience in evidence-based urban integration policies exists in European cities, reaching as far as governance arrangements that feed monitoring results into municipal policies and planning of integration measures. These experiences and models could be tapped for peer learning. However, better coordination among the interested parties is needed to identify the best practices and indicate what would be the most appropriate formats for mutual policy learning. 

First pillar

Continuing the work with Eurostat and EU data stakeholders, to improve the availability of comparable integration data at infra-national level; 

Second pillar

Conducting a further pilot study that will address the drivers of immigration and integration trends/outcomes at the regional level, by linking infra-national integration outcomes to Member States immigration/integration policies—thus shedding light on the varying effect of these policies on different types of urban, semi-urban and rural areas.