Culture, migration and identity Working Group

The project of European integration is recently witnessing the culmination of a development, which has been growing over the last years: discourses about migration, integration and the self-perception of European societies are more and more directed by xenophobia, nationalism and right-wing populism. As we feel that these ways of thinking have the potential to jeopardize the achievements and to harm the principles of the EU and the Council of Europe's work, which we find crucial, this group is eager to tackle the occuring problems and surrounding issues, which threaten the ideal of a human, open and diverse European continent.

We want to explore the relations between the phenomena of migration, culture and identity in and around Europe. Therefore we decided that the main topics of our work will be the comparison of the theoretical and actual status of Human Rights, the analysis of the situation of refugees, asylum seekers and the difficulties faced by "illegal migrants". Furthermore we will discuss intercultural education and the influence of migration on national and European societal self-constructions.

We would like to carry ongoing internal discussions into a wider debate among FYEG member organisations as there are many open questions and trouble spots, we are seeking to find agreements on.

Additionally our aim is to provide input for the formulation of FYEG's political platform, strengthen the cooperation with the Greens in the European Parliament, as well as with the bodies of the Council of Europe and change the attitude to which people (especially migrants and minorities) are exposed in our socities. Our contribution to create a more inclusive and solidary Europe will consist in the publication of articles and reports, the organization of seminars and meetings to exchange information, experiences and opinions. We are looking forward to work with other NGOs (i.e. international migrants' organisations) to pursue the goal of living together in diversity and freedom in inclusive and pluralistic societies.

Coodinators: Norma ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and Kalle ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )