Following the significant increase of asylum applications in Europe and the humanitarian concerns that have arisen in some countries the European Council of Refugees and Exiles (ECRE), and the United States Mission to the EU, in partnership with the Council of Europe and its network of Intercultural cities, the Economic and Social Committee and the Canadian Mission to the EU have organised a seminar on social innovation aiming at the integration and inclusion of refugees.

Held over two days, the seminar promoted exchanges between social innovators, NGOs, local authorities, businesses and service professionals in order to create local partnerships; stronger connections between public/private sectors; increased involvement of refugee communities; better coordination between European and national authorities for increased sustainability of refugee integration initiatives.

More than 300 people attended the event from very different backgrounds and were encouraged to openly share their experiences and interact with the other participants.