Call for Papers : Integration, Immigration & Citizenship : Local, National, European & International responses

The Fourth Challenge Training School

The development of an EU framework of the integration of immigrants has been presented as one of the key strategic objectives for the development of an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. Based on the Amsterdam Treaty, and the political mandates given by the Tampere and The Hague Programmes, the European Commission has presented in the last years a series of instruments addressing the area of «integration of immigrants», and intending to consolidate a common European framework for action.

The evolving EU policy has consolidated a nexus between integration, immigration and citizenship as a response to the increasing dilemmas posed by human mobility and diversity to the nation state, and the Union as a political project. This nexus originates mainly from the national arenas composing the EU, as the competence over this area still resides greatly in the hands of the Member States. What is the role, functions and vulnerabilities of integration in the contexts of immigration, citizenship and asylum at the various levels of governance? What is the social impact of this intersection in the processes of inclusion of «the Other»? What is the role of religion and culture? This two-day Training School seeks to address these and other related questions which call for an interdisciplinary and comparative study focusing on concepts, laws, discourses, practices and actors involved. It will assess the interactions of the responses and practices at the local, national, European and international levels.

CEPS invites submission of Proposals for Paperscovering any of the following specific topics:

1. THEORY: «INTEGRATION» & OTHERNESS.

An analysis of the main theoretical discussions about the politics of recognition and belonging in the nation state. Examination of academic literature on terms such as assimilation, integration, absorption, acculturation, incorporation, etc. What does «integration» and «the politics of integration» mean in the modern liberal state?

The different «models» in hands of the state to provide a response to the dilemmas posed by diversity and inter-cultural/inter-religious societies, as well as the different «societal dimensions» traditionally attributed to the measurement of the integration of immigrants. A theoretical discussion of the role and functions of nationality, citizenship and European citizenship, and of concepts like «denizenship», civic citizenship and «active participation» in the context of political membership in the European polity.

2. THE LEGAL & POLICY DIMENSIONS.

What is the relationship/nexus between «integration» and the legal framework on immigration, asylum and nationality/citizenship in law and policy? Study of the main features and tendencies characterizing the laws embracing these issues, and of the role of the Courts at national and supranational levels.

2.1. Immigration/Asylum & Integration.

The European Arena.A discussion and evaluation of acts and legislative proposals part of the EU action in the field of «integration of immigrants» and «intercultural dialogue». To look at the discussions about the relationship between the EU framework on the integration of immigrants, the evolving common immigration policy, the status of European citizenship and anti-discrimination policies. To study their nature and effects for the legal position of the individual. A review of the role that the European Court of Justice is having in the development of the legal status of «the Other». Integration of refugees inside the EU: the legal and policy frameworks at EU level, and the interplay with international human rights commitments.

A study of integration vis-à-vis the International and European Human Rights Standards included, for instance, in the European Convention on Human Rights and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. What is the relationship and interaction between the European framework and the local, national, EU and international arenas? The position and activities of the Council of Europe in this field, and their impact.

The International Arena.To provide a comparative assessment of the strategies and policies between the EU and those at the global level, including for instance the examples of Canada, the US, Australia, Asia, etc. The National Arena.An analysis of the programmes, laws and policies on the integration of immigrants in the EU; A comparative review and analysis of the different approaches, tendencies and practices in the EU Member States; An identification of trends, models and divergences of integration in the context of immigration. Integration of refugees: Analysis of the legal framework at national level in this respect, and the relationship with international human rights obligations.

The Local Arena.An analysis of the role and practices of local and regional actors in the field of integration of immigrants and asylum seekers/refugees. What is the function of local stakeholders such as local governments and cities in these integration processes? What are the mechanisms at hand of the local and regional levels? What is the role of civil society and of the social partners?

2.2. Nationality/Citizenship & Integration.

A comparative analysis of the legislations on the acquisition of nationality/citizenship, and the role of integration in the EU. The extent to which the acquisition of the destination EU Member State’s nationality, and thus European citizenship, might represent a key ingredient for an integration policy. Other related questions may for example include: How dual nationality could impact integration? What is the role and nature of naturalisation tests? Withdrawal of nationality based on the nonintegration of the person involved?

A comparative study of the use of integration tests in the process of naturalisation inside the EU, as well as in other international arenas (US, Canada, Australia, etc).

3. THE SOCIAL & POLITICAL DIMENSIONS.

A study of the impact of the policies and regulations on immigration/citizenship/asylum and integration on the actual societal processes of economic, social, political and cultural inclusion of «the Other». An analysis of the barriers, indirect forms of discrimination and challenges towards inclusion in the different socio-economic dimensions of the receiving state. Use of case studies. The utility and functionality of the use of indicators, indexing models and benchmarking for measuring integration.

An assessment of the political discourses calling for the need to foster and consolidate «more integration of immigrants» at national, European and international levels. Which are the main arguments and justifications being used, what do they really mean and how is this expressed in law and policy? What is the role of the media?

4. CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS PRACTICES.

What is the role of religion and culture in the integration of migrants in Europe? What is the intersection between «integration» and «religion», especially «Islam»? What are the tensions between multiculturalism and the recognition of different religious groups? What is the local, national and European level of policies in the religious domain in relation to «integration»? Case studies inside and outside Europe on the role of religion and culture. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Holding a university degree in law, political science, philosophy, sociology or international relations; and

• Currently studying or conducting a Ph.D./doctorate thesis in an EU member state.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 28 SEPTEMBER 2007

To apply, please send a short abstract of no more than 200 words, including your CV and full contact details to the following e-mail address: miriam.mir@ceps.eu

Applications not fulfilling these requirements and the date of submission will not be taken into consideration.

Selected candidates will be informed about the final decision concerning their eligibility during the first week of October 2007.Those who will then submit their final paper and give a presentation in the Training School will be allocated a fixed grant of 200 euros. Other expenses linked with the participation in the School will not be covered.

For more information please contact:

Sergio Carrera at sergio.carrera@ceps.eu

Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), Justice and Home Affairs Section

Place du Congrès 1

1000 Brussels, Belgium

Tel: 0032-(0)22293939, Fax: 0032-(0)22194151

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Call for Papers : Integration, Immigration & Citizenship : Local, National, European & International responses