“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, Dublin and Belfast are leading the way with a clutch of  European neighbours to ensure that the experience is beneficial for all.

Along with neighbours Belfast, host-city Madrid and seven other European cities, Dublin 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. 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.

Matt Burney, Director of British Council Ireland, said:

“One of the British Council's aims is to increase the ability of individuals and organisations to contribute to positive social change. OPENCities achieves this by acting as a catalyst for discussion and action for cities around the world to become better places in which to live, work and play for both indigenous and migrant populations. It is a great way of bringing global partners together to share the UK's experience and to explore themes of diversity, equal opportunity and sustainability. I am delighted that Dublin City Council is our committed partner in OPENCities”.

Find out more about OPENCities.  Contact Elaine Nesbitt in Belfast or Beth Edgell in Dublin.