“We have to look at immigration not as a threat but – when well-managed, and that is our new task – as an enrichment and as an inescapable phenomenon of today’s world,” Franco Frattini, EU justice commissioner.

With 20 million new migrants settled legally in the EU and many more illegal immigrants making Europe their home, Belfast and Dublin are leading the way with a clutch of  European neighbours to ensure that the experience is beneficial for all . . .

Along with neighbours Dublin, host-city Madrid and seven other European cities, Belfast has embarked on the three-year project which will tackle how new migrants can contribute to growth and economy whilst successfully integrating into the fabric of a city.  The British Council Northern Ireland's lead partner Belfast City Council is determined that Belfast will become a model city in the economic integration of migrant workers as part of its drive for economic growth.  Mass migration across Europe has prevailed due to the enlargement of the European Union in 2004 and 2007, joining the worldwide trend for demographic mobility.

Colm McGivern, Director of British Council Northern Ireland said:

“The British Council is delighted to be able to profile Belfast as a city committed to openness and civic dialogue.  By connecting Belfast City Council with other European cities in this project we know that we’re creating relationships that will last for Northern Ireland, and that will benefit people here as our cities grow and change to meet our needs”.

Marie Therese McGivern, Director of Development at the Belfast City Council, said:

"Open Cities is an excellent opportunity for Belfast and the other cities involved to learn from each other during a time when the cultural make up of cities is changing so dramatically, and in doing so, changing the face of cities of the future.  Belfast has a strong history of cultural diversity and we are delighted to be involved in making our city more open to everyone'

Find out more about Open Cities or contact Elaine Nesbitt.