The Council of Europe/Intercultural cities and the canton of Neuchâtel, COSM, organised a seminar to discuss what receiving countries can do concretely to facilitate the social and economic integration of refugees.

From the point of view of successful integration, the first days and weeks after arrival are important not only in terms of providing for refugees’ material needs, but also for their social needs, such as the possibility to communicate with others, kindle new friendships and establish social networks which can help with the search for employment and other occupations.

The seminar reviewed examples of how cities across Europe deal with this challenge and draw general policy conclusions.