Berlin‘s activities in urban issues May 17th 2016, European Commission Office of the Land Berlin to the EU, Volker Löwe (Head of office)

EU Urban Agenda and Cohesion Policy in Berlin Political activities on EUUA CoR-report “Concrete steps for implementing the EU Urban Agenda”; rapporteur: Berlin’s Permanent Secretary Hella Dunger-Löper, main requirements: transparency, participation and binding force participation in the EUUA partnership on “Migration and Integration of Refugees” Challenges - need to act on urban issues : - growing city: Germany’s capital and largest city (3.4 mio.) per year, 4 mio. in social mix: 186 different nationalities, 17,3 % of Berlin’s residents without German passport, foreigners in Berlin - refugees: refugees came to Berlin in 2015, in 2016 (May); still in public shelter Urban development in cohesion policy in Berlin ERDF in Berlin: 635 mio. € ERDF-OP Berlin, priority 4: „Improvement of social integration in deprived urban areas“ (18.10 %): 100 mio. € for „Zukunftsinitiative Stadtteil, ZIS II“, from that 48 mio. € for neighbourhood management

Project „Neighbourhood Mothers“ outreach project for disadvantaged migrant families (hard to reach groups) focus group: – mothers with migrant background, knowledge of German, unemployed aim: – reach families that have no knowledge of German language and culture – enabling women to get involved in their neighborhood tools e. g.: – school visits – home visits Topics e. g.: – nursery, bilingual education, healthcare, children’s rights

Results / Points for Discussion Project „Neighbourhood Mothers“ – Results so far: – 2004 – 2015: 406 mothers trained, currently 74 active – until Feb. 2016: home visits – 11 national and international awards (i. a. Regio Stars Award 2013) – More than half of the Neighbourhood Mothers are working with refugees – Masterplan for Integration and Security (decision foreseen by Senate of Berlin End of May) Under development: New pilot project has been initiated (UIA) for a participative integrated management aiming at active participation of refugees in German society (empowerment) and community building. To be discussed: – focus on small areas – only pilot character, intervention areas not broad enough – additional means for integration of refugees – better link between EUUA and Regional Policy Thank you for your attention.