In recent years, rural and smaller communities in the EU have emerged as important partners and actors in the integration of refugees and migrants, as they can offer specific integration opportunities. They have thus become testing grounds for new practices and approaches to integration.

As part of the transnational peer-to-peer learning and exchange activities of the Share SIRA project, ICMC Europe/Share network, IOM Spain and Cepaim are co-organising a Look & Learn visit in Grenoble, Isère (France).

This two-day event, which will take place from 27 to 29 September 2022, will bring together local and regional authorities, civil society and practitioners from different European countries (France, Spain, Belgium and Greece) to exchange lessons learned and good practices on the reception and integration of newcomers in rural areas.

The visit will combine a guided tour of local practices (27/09) and a conference on ‘Rethinking territories to promote the integration of newcomers in rural areas: inclusive, solidarity-based and innovative territories’ (28/09).

The visit will focus on the opportunities and challenges posed by the arrival of newcomers in rural territories, as well as the potential for urban-rural partnerships. The notion of inclusive, supportive and innovative territories, based on the participation of both the local communities and newcomers, will be further discussed.