Editor in chief at IamExpat Media
Germany has finalised a five-stage action plan, containing around 100 different measures, to improve the integration of immigrants into society, the school system and the job market.
“We are all Germany, that is the goal,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel at the conclusion of the so-called “Integration Summit” in Berlin this week. The action plan is intended to ensure “that coexistence becomes a togetherness,” the chancellor emphasised. “It is not about all of us becoming the same; it’s about everyone having their place in this society.”
The finalisation of the integration action plan marks the culmination of nearly three years of planning and discussion under the “National Action Plan for Integration”. Launched in 2018, the initiative has brought together more than 120 representatives from different German states, municipalities and civil organisations, with the aim of developing a roadmap for integration over the coming decade.
The plan, which was finalised this week, includes more than 100 different measures across five “action stages”, designed to improve the integration of foreigners into German society and ensure that nobody falls through the cracks. They range from initial integration measures such as language courses and integration courses, to efforts to boost social cohesion through social activities and to tackle discrimination and racism.
For instance, measures include the introduction of so-called “integration scouts” - a workplace buddy system under which non-German apprentices are given German mentors to help them adjust. Counselling centres would also be set up to help people who have, for example, experienced hate speech or been passed over for jobs due to their race or religion.
“Real social cohesion takes more than just the absence of hate and violence,” Merkel said. “It requires tolerance and openness for each other.” She further commented on how the concept of integration had shifted during her time in office: “We’ve learned that integration doesn’t just affect some groups: it affects society as a whole.”
“We still have a racism problem in many places in Germany,” said Federal Families Minister Franziska Giffey after the summit. Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier further commented that integration was “not just a moral and social obligation, but in the interests of Germany as a business location.”