The more than 270,000 EU immigrants living in Berlin make up more than 7 % of the population. That's almost two-thirds more than in 2011. The lower administrative barriers to immigration and access to the labour market thanks to EU freedom of movement and other rights, such as the right to vote at municipal level, make it particularly easy for EU citizens to participate in work and society. Nevertheless, they still often work below their level of qualification and in precarious working conditions and are sometimes discriminated against in the labour and housing markets as well as in the social system. At the social level, they are still little represented. Little is known about their involvement, for example in the context of migrant self-organizations, as well as about their voter turnout and political participation beyond that. Organizations are often lacking as contact persons and visible representatives of the communities. 

Together with our guest Katarina Niewiedzial, we will discuss Labora lecture the different aspects of social participation and representation of EU immigrants in Berlin. In her input, Katarina Niewiedzial addresses the following questions in particular from her experience as an Integration Officer of the State of Berlin: 

  • What political approaches are being taken in Berlin to the participation of EU immigrants? 
  • What are the reasons for the lack of migrant self-organisation among EU migrants? 
  • Which communities are visible politically and socially? 
  • What problems and ideas should be addressed in order to maintain Berlin as a magnet for EU immigration and to reduce precariousness and exploitation? 

This is supplemented by short inputs from Minor's studies, educational and consulting work and discussed among the invited experts.

To our guest

Katarina Niewiedzial has been since May 2019 Representative of the Berlin Senate for Integration and migration. The policyknowledgeschaftlerin was previously active in the same function in the district of Pankow. As a departmentHead of Integration, she is responsible for a team of more than 70 employees who, among other things, work for the PartiBerlin zipation law, das Willkomthe menzentrum of the Berlin Senate, the promotion of migrant organisationsWork and integration monitoring. Even immigrated from another EU country, she has been campaigning for years for greater participation and representation of EU communities.

To the Labora Lectures

With the Labora lectures the Minor – Labora brings together experts from science, politics and practice in an intensive exchange on issues and social developments that affect the shaping of the future of our society. We aim at mutual learning on innovative ideas, methods and approaches to improve the situation of marginalized or disadvantaged groups. We welcome the guests with a special wine, other drinks and some food that accompanies the evening in the fireplace room. The Labora lectures are organised and implemented in cooperation with Minor – Project Kontor for Education and Research, Minor – Science Society and La Red – Networking and Integration. 

The Labora lectures It's called Chatham House Rules.