Co-operation projects are the Council of Europe’s operational tool to support member states implement European standards in practice. Projects provide technical assistance tailored to national contexts and rooted in the Organisation’s legal and policy frameworks in areas where the Council of Europe has strong expertise and added value.

The Intercultural Cities (ICC) Programme, led by the Intercultural Inclusion Unit, implements targeted projects to support cities, regions, and national authorities in developing and implementing coordinated, multilevel policies and strategies that foster inclusive, resilient, and cohesive communities. ICC projects are designed to respond to real needs, adapted to local contexts, and grounded in a multilevel coordination approach.

Focus areas include developing and implementing  intercultural inclusion strategies, strengthening multi-level governance of inclusion, intercultural competence, equality data, anti-rumour strategies, inclusive urban planning, community policing, education, housing, and participatory governance. Actions can range from policy reviews and thematic training to peer exchanges, capacity building, piloting and scaling of innovative approaches.

Past projects such as Intercultural Integration in Cyprus and Building an Inclusive Integration Approach in Finland illustrate how the ICC methodology adapts to different national contexts, fostering collaboration between different levels of governance and delivering impact through strategic partnerships and dedicated funding.