Integration (of Immigrants) in the European Union: A Controversial Concept

Abstract

Integration is one of the major challenges posed to the European Union by the immigration of third-country nationals. And it is even more so in view of the mass influx of displaced persons stemming from the Russian military invasion of Ukraine. This article discusses the controversial concept of (immigrant) integration underpinned by the current EU legal and policy framework. It argues that, on the one hand, the concept of integration resulting from instruments of primary and secondary EU legislation, soft law and policy is inspired by the respect for fundamental rights and prohibition of discrimination. On the other hand, it stresses that the EU action mainly aims at preserving Member States’ sovereignty over immigration. The resulting EU normative framework for integration, including the newly adopted EU Blue Card Directive and the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees, allows and encourages the strategic selection of the most socio-economically and culturally desirable immigrants.