Municipal Voluntary Formation “Municipality of Thessaloniki” – Greece
Practice is ongoing, starting in 2016.
The Municipality of Thessaloniki has implemented several initiatives and established partnerships to support volunteering in the context of addressing the refugee crisis and promoting migrant integration. Here are some key aspects of the support provided:
Project REACT (Refugee Assistance Collaboration in Thessaloniki): The municipality, in collaboration with government agencies and international organizations, initiated the REACT project. This project involves identifying and managing housing units for refugees in private apartments and the Asylum Seekers Center – “Filoxenio.” By addressing the housing needs of refugees, the municipality contributes to creating better living conditions for beneficiaries of international protection.
Community Center and Migrant Integration Center (KEM) Branch: The municipality operates a Community Center with a Migrant Integration Center branch, co-financed by Greece and the European Union. This center plays a crucial role in integrating migrants and refugees into the local community, providing support services and fostering social cohesion.
Migrant Integration Council (SEMP): In 2017, the Municipality of Thessaloniki launched the Migrant Integration Council (SEMP), which serves as an advisory body to strengthen the integration of migrants and refugees in the local community. This initiative involves the active participation of refugees in shaping the city’s policies and plans.
Appointment of Deputy Mayor for Migration Policy: Recognizing the importance of migration and refugee issues, the municipality appointed a Deputy Mayor for Business Planning, e-Government, and Migration Policy. This dedicated position highlights the commitment to developing strategies and activities for the smooth integration of refugees into local society.
Establishment of a Project Team: A Project Team was formed in 2020 to organize, coordinate, and implement actions for the support and social integration of refugees and
migrants. This team focuses on addressing the specific needs of these populations and
ensuring effective collaboration with various stakeholders.
Internal Service Organization and Department of Integration and Support of Migrants: In 2021, the Municipality of Thessaloniki founded an Internal Service Organization and established the Department of Integration and Support of Migrants and Refugees. This organizational structure aims to streamline efforts and enhance the city’s capacity to support migrants and refugees effectively.
Partnership with MDAT S.A.: The Municipality of Thessaloniki has promoted the Major Development Agency Thessaloniki S.A. (MDAT S.A.) as a strategic partner in the field of social integration of refugees and migrants. Through MDAT S.A., the municipality implements various projects using European, national, and private funding to provide social services and support to vulnerable groups, including refugees.
Regular Meetings with Civil Society Organizations: The municipality organizes regular meetings with civil society organizations involved in managing the refugee issue. This collaborative approach ensures ongoing communication and coordination between the municipality and external partners, fostering a supportive environment for volunteering initiatives.
How is the solution implemented?
The implementation of the support provided by the Municipality of Thessaloniki involves a coordinated and multifaceted approach.
Here’s an overview of how the solutions are implemented:
Project REACT Implementation:
Identification of Housing Units: The municipality, in collaboration with government agencies and international organizations, identifies suitable housing units in private apartments and the Asylum Seekers Center – “Filoxenio” to accommodate refugees.
Management of Housing Units: The municipality manages the identified housing units, ensuring proper maintenance and addressing the specific needs of the refugee population.
Operation of Community Center and Migrant Integration Center (KEM) Branch:
Service Provision: The Community Center, including the Migrant Integration Center branch, operates to provide essential support services to migrants and refugees.
Integration Programs: Integration programs are designed and implemented to facilitate the social cohesion of refugees within the local community.
Migrant Integration Council (SEMP) Activities:
Advisory Role: The Migrant Integration Council (SEMP) actively participates in advising the municipality on matters related to the integration of migrants and refugees.
Community Engagement: SEMP engages with the refugee population, involving them in the decision-making processes that shape the city’s policies.
Deputy Mayor’s Role in Migration Policy:
Strategic Planning: The Deputy Mayor for Business Planning, e-Government, and Migration Policy plays a key role in strategically planning and coordinating activities related to migration and refugee integration. Policy Development: The Deputy Mayor is involved in developing policies that facilitate the smooth integration of refugees into local society.
Project Team Operations:
Coordination and Organization: The Project Team is responsible for coordinating and organizing actions that support the social integration of refugees and migrants.
Implementation of Actions: The team implements specific actions designed to address the needs of refugees and ensure effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Internal Service Organization and Department of Integration and Support of Migrants:
Organizational Structure: The Internal Service Organization and the Department of Integration and Support of Migrants provide an organizational structure to streamline efforts and enhance the municipality’s capacity to support migrants and refugees. Operational Coordination: These entities ensure operational coordination in implementing various initiatives and projects focused on migrant and refugee integration.
Partnership with MDAT S.A.:
Strategic Collaboration: The partnership with MDAT S.A. is strategic, with MDAT S.A. serving as an operational arm in the field of social integration of refugees and migrants.
Project Implementation: MDAT S.A., through the Directorate of Social Sustainability & Integration, implements projects that support the social integration of refugees and migrants using funding from different sources.
Regular Meetings with Civil Society Organizations:
Communication and Collaboration: The municipality organizes regular meetings with civil society organizations involved in managing the refugee issue, fostering ongoing communication and collaboration. Information Sharing: These meetings serve as a platform for sharing information, coordinating efforts, and addressing emerging challenges in the management of the refugee issue.
In what local context has it been applied?
The support provided by the Municipality of Thessaloniki has been applied within the local context of the municipality, specifically addressing the challenges and opportunities related to the refugee crisis.
Here are details regarding the local context in which the support has been implemented:
Geographical Scope:
The support is primarily focused on the Municipality of Thessaloniki, which is a city in northern Greece. Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in the country and a key urban center.The initiatives, projects, and services are designed to benefit residents within the municipal boundaries, with a focus on addressing the needs of refugees and migrants residing in Thessaloniki.
Municipal Boundaries:
The primary area of application is the entire Municipality of Thessaloniki. This includes urban areas, neighborhoods, and communities within the administrative boundaries of the municipality.The support is not limited to specific districts but aims to cover the broader municipality, recognizing that refugee populations may be dispersed throughout different parts of the city.
Reason for Support:
The primary reason for providing support is the increased flow of refugees, particularly since the autumn of 2015. Thessaloniki, like many other municipalities, faced the challenges associated with the refugee crisis. The support is driven by a commitment to ensuring decent living conditions for beneficiaries of international protection within urban areas, fostering social cohesion, and promoting peaceful coexistence among all social groups.
Integration and Social Cohesion:
The initiatives, such as the Migrant Integration Council (SEMP), the Community Center, and housing projects like REACT, are implemented with the overarching goal of integrating migrants and refugees into the local community. The focus on social integration aims to create an inclusive environment where refugees become active participants in the life of the city, contributing to its cultural, social, and economic fabric.
Strategic Approach:
The municipality’s approach is strategic, as evidenced by the appointment of a Deputy Mayor for Business Planning, e-Government, and Migration Policy. This underscores the importance given to the development of strategies and activities for the smooth integration of refugees into local society. The establishment of the Department of Integration and Support of Migrants further emphasizes the strategic and organized nature of the municipality’s efforts.
Collaboration with MDAT S.A.:
The partnership with Major Development Agency Thessaloniki S.A. (MDAT S.A.) extends the reach of the municipality’s support. MDAT S.A. serves as a strategic partner and operational arm, implementing actions in collaboration with the municipality to support social integration.The collaboration leverages funding from European, national, and private sources to implement projects of local and supra-local character.
What difference has it made?
The support provided by the Municipality of Thessaloniki has made a significant difference in the local context, particularly in the development of volunteering and its impact on local voluntary organizations.
Here are some key differences and outcomes resulting from these initiatives:
Empowerment of Local Voluntary Organizations:
The municipality’s initiatives have empowered local voluntary organizations by providing them with a structured framework for collaboration. Regular meetings with civil society organizations involved in managing the refugee issue have created a platform for dialogue, coordination, and information sharing.Voluntary organizations have been actively involved in the planning and implementation of support programs, contributing their expertise and resources to address the challenges posed by the refugee crisis.
Enhanced Coordination and Cooperation:
The establishment of the Migrant Integration Council (SEMP) and the Project Team reflects a commitment to coordination and cooperation. These bodies serve as mechanisms for involving various stakeholders, including local voluntary organizations, in the decision-making processes related to refugee integration.The collaborative approach has resulted in a more cohesive and integrated response to the refugee crisis, with voluntary organizations playing a vital role in shaping and implementing strategies.
Increased Community Engagement:
The initiatives, such as the Community Center and Migrant Integration Center branch, have increased community engagement by fostering interaction and integration between refugees and the local population. This has contributed to breaking down social barriers and promoting a sense of unity within the community.
Voluntary organizations, in collaboration with the municipality, have been instrumental in organizing activities and programs that facilitate social interaction and cultural exchange.
Tangible Housing Solutions:
Project REACT has provided tangible housing solutions for refugees, managing 949 housing units in private apartments and 30 places at the Asylum Seekers Center – “Filoxenio.” This has not only addressed the immediate needs of refugees for shelter but has also contributed to their overall well-being and integration into the local community. Voluntary organizations may have played a role in supporting these housing initiatives, whether through advocacy, outreach, or direct assistance.
Strategic Leadership and Planning:
The appointment of a Deputy Mayor for Business Planning, e-Government, and Migration Policy signifies strategic leadership and planning. This decision has likely provided a focal point for coordinating efforts related to migration and refugee issues. The strategic approach has resulted in the development of policies and activities that consider the long-term impact on the local community, and voluntary organizations have likely been engaged in the planning and execution of these strategies.
Establishment of Internal Service Organization and Department:
The establishment of the Internal Service Organization and the Department of Integration and Support of Migrants indicates a commitment to organizational structure and efficiency. This has likely streamlined the delivery of support services and interventions, with voluntary organizations potentially playing a role in the implementation of projects.
The creation of a partnership with MDAT S.A. further demonstrates a strategic approach to leveraging external expertise and resources for the social integration of refugees and migrants.
Utilization of Funding Sources:
The collaboration with MDAT S.A. in implementing projects funded by European, national, and private sources has likely expanded the financial resources available for supporting refugees and migrants. Voluntary organizations may have benefited from these funding mechanisms to enhance their capacity and implement impactful initiatives.
What’s needed?
Financial resources
The initiatives benefit from financial support from European funding sources. This could include grants, subsidies, or programs specifically aimed at addressing the social integration of refugees and migrants.
Human resources
Municipal Employees: The Municipality of Thessaloniki employs individuals responsible for overseeing and managing the initiatives. This include personnel in departments related to migration, social services, and integration.
MDAT S.A. Staff: Employees of MDAT S.A. are actively involved in implementing and coordinating the actions. This include project managers, social workers, and administrative staff responsible for day-to-day operations.
Volunteers: The engagement of volunteers, though not explicitly mentioned, is a common practice in initiatives related to social integration. Volunteers be involved in community outreach, language support, cultural exchange programs, and other activities aimed at facilitating the integration of refugees.
Physical resources
Office Space/ Meeting Spaces
Housing Units: In the case of Project REACT, physical resources include housing units in private apartments and places at the Asylum Seekers Center – “Filoxenio” for accommodating refugees.
Technology and Communication Equipment: Necessary equipment includes computers, communication tools, and other technology to support administrative tasks, outreach, and coordination efforts.
Find out more
Contact: CNI
E-mail: info@cnigreece.gr
Link(s): https://www.cnigreece.gr/en/municipalities/thessaloniki/
Good practice was prepared by Social Innovation & Cohesion Institute – Fifty Fifty, Greece
