New UNHCR publication proposes a paradigm shift on access to direct funding for municipalities on refugee integration and inclusion

As of the end of 2024, Europe hosts 13.4 million refugees, with more than 6.3 million displaced Ukrainians seeking protection due to the ongoing war. Municipal governments have been at the forefront of the response to this unprecedented influx, playing a critical role in addressing the short and long-term needs of forcibly displaced and stateless people. To varying degrees, municipalities throughout Europe struggle to sustain the resources required to adapt their systems and include refugees in their programs and services. Acquiring the funds needed to support effective refugee inclusion or local integration in a holistic and coordinated manner has proved largely unattainable for most.

This new publication from UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Europe documents and closely examines the obstacles municipalities face in this regard. Based on extensive consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, and grounded in the perspectives and testimonies of municipal actors who work on the front lines of the refugee response, the publication features: 

• Recommendations for municipal actors and institutions involved in the funding ecosystem on improving municipal access to funding.
• A deep dive into the funding challenges and innovative practices on refugee inclusion and integration in the Baltic countries, Italy, Moldova, and Türkiye, showcasing the rich insights and perspectives of municipal actors directly.
• An up-to-date guide to key funding sources for refugee inclusion and integration for municipalities, based on the research conducted and an extensive mapping of tools, guidance, and publications on funding and financing instruments in Europe.

Access the publication here: Enhancing municipalities’ access to funding for refugee inclusion & integration