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Integration

As a magnet country for migrants, Germany currently faces two key challenges: reinvigorating its democracy and integrating its newcomers. Democratic values in Germany are under fire. Xenophobic attitudes are on the rise, efforts for integrating migrants have faltered and the public is growing skeptical of policymakers' ability to address the situation. Social participation is the key to integration in democratic societies. Germany will only be able to compete globally over the long term if it opens to other cultures abroad while learning to deal with diversity and promoting democratic values at home. The Bertelsmann Stiftung has created its Center of Excellence for Democracy and Integration to help generate practical, effective responses to these challenges.

Focus areas

Democracy and tolerance

A democracy is based on values and competencies such as tolerance, civic-mindedness and a willingness to participate. Such values do not develop by themselves, but require active support. Together with a number of partners, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has developed educational programs that foster such attitudes and skills at an individual level. Given society's increasing individualization and pluralization, new structures and opportunities for getting involved are required, since "participation is the principle that underlies politics" (Volker Gerhardt). Such opportunities -- in the form of new ideas and approaches -- are necessary if Germany's democracy is to be strengthened through increased civic engagement.

Fighting right-wing extremism

Immigration in Germany has long been a taboo topic, something that has helped promote xenophobia and right-wing extremism among the general population. Today, such attitudes are no longer to be found only among society's more marginalized members. Some 40 percent of Germans now agree with the statement that the country has become "non-German to a dangerous degree." Such sentiments strike at the heart of Germany's democracy and its social cohesion, and they demonstrate that right-wing extremism will remain a pressing problem for years to come. At the same time, right-wing extremism is not only a German problem, but one that has made itself felt throughout Europe. What can Germany learn from its European neighbors in this regard?

Integration and communities

In terms of their future prospects, integration is one of the most important challenges communities currently. In addition to major metropolitan areas, where immigrants comprise some 30 percent of the overall population, rural regions also need to make it possible for people of different ethnic heritages to live together in harmony. The Bertelsmann Stiftung publishes strategic responses to immigration-related issues as well as studies and reference data, all of which have been developed based on a recent competition highlighting successful integration efforts in Germany. An integration training program has also been developed for policymakers, public administrators and migrant-group representatives. In addition, our website provides in-depth information on exemplary integration policies.

Migration and integration in Europe

With the recent EU enlargement, the topic of managing migration and immigration has gained renewed interest. The Bertelsmann Stiftung has been drafting proposals for a universal immigration law for Europe since 1992. In order to bring new momentum to the integration agenda in Germany and Europe, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has joined with the Migration Policy Institute in Washington DC to found the Transatlantic Task Force on Integration and Immigration, which is developing strategic proposals for innovative migration and integration policies.

Helping immigrants get involved

The key to helping immigrants integrate is making sure they have adequate opportunity to participate in society. Above all, this means ensuring there is equal inclusion in the educational system and job market, as well as in civil society and politics. For such participation to be possible, immigrants must accept Germany's basic laws and values. Together with German President Johannes Rau, the Bertelsmann Stiftung organized a national competition in 2002 to call attention to the importance of helping immigrants become involved in their communities. With its new Leadership Program for next-generation managers from migrant organizations, the foundation is helping create "bridge-builders" capable of helping others integrate.

Promoting Democratic Values ADAM InstituteIntegration of Immigrants - Strategies for community policyInternational Network: Education for Democracy, Human Rights and Tolerance	Combating Right-Wing Extremism International Network: Education for Democracy, Human Rights and ToleranceStrategies Against Right-wing ExtremismStrategies for combating right-wing extremism in Europe
Job market EQUAL IN.OWL partnership (Equal Entwicklungs-Partnerschaft IN.OWL)	Integration in Communities Integration of Immigrants - Strategies for community policyeffectAction! (mitWirkung!) - An initiative promoting political participation and civic engagement among children and young people
Migration and Integration in Europe International Network: Education for Democracy, Human Rights and Tolerance	Helping immigrants get involved