Integration Strategy 2008 - 2013

1. Integration Strategy 2008 - 2013 Eva-Maria Asari

2. Integration Strategy 2008-2013 • It is the continuation to the state programme ‘Integration in Estonian Society 2000-2007 that will come to an end this year • It is an action plan for governmental and other institutions for the years 2008−2013 in the field of integration. • Summarises the goals and activities of the state integration policy

3. Integration policy • Estonia is a culturally diverse society, more than 120 different ethnicities are represented here. • One third of our population is made up of people of ethnicity other than Estonian. • The premises of policy is that more active promotion of participation of minorities in social and political life is needed

4. Formation of the Strategy • Integration is an important issue that involves the society as a whole. • This is why it is essential to achieve as much agreement as possible among important stakeholders in the process a) consultations with political parties b) social partners c) public discussions

5. The Goals of the Strategy • The aim of the strategy is to achieve conditions, when all permanent residents of Estonia, irrespective of their ethnic origin • feel secure in Estonia, • are competent in the state language, • share the values underlying the Constitution • are able to lead of fulfilled life by participating in the societal, economic and cultural life of the country • Everyone is guaranteed the right to preserve and develop his/ her language and culture

6. Different spheres of integration • The division between three spheres will remain • Educational and Cultural integration • Social and Economic integration • Legal and Political integration • More emphasis is put on linking them together

7. Integration Policy • Integration is a multilayered process. • It is important to take into account that different ethnic groups in Estonia require differentiated approach when it comes to integration since they have different social status, level of integration. • It is useful to differentiate integration activities by age, citizenship, education, place of residence, social and occupational position

8. Emphasis of the Policy • State identity • Joint activities • Local governments

9. State identity The integration policy is aimed at strengthening of Estonian state identity among population, to develop shared values, shared identity of space, pride in being the country’s citizen, respect and acceptance towards cultural differences among Estonian residents

10. Joint Activities • Integration is a two-way process • Successful integration depends on the level of contact between Estonian and other ethnic groups represented in Estonia • Active cooperation with civil society and NGOs • Activities aimed at creating common information and media fields

11. Local governments • This far the activities of the integration programme have been too state-centred • Integration has been treated as state activity and the role of local governments has been rather modest • The aim is now to bring out regional differences in integration and to deepen cooperation with local governments

12. Management of the Policy • The office for the Minister for Population and Ethnic Affairs co-ordinates national integration policy and programming. • Each line ministry contributes to the national integration programme.

13. Thank you! Eva-Maria.Asari riigikantselei.ee