ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the continuing demographic and economic significance of ethnic minorities in the EU, and analyses some key conditions and measures which are needed to ensure that they progress in participation and access. Immigrants brought much of value: they rehabilitated declining areas, imported new energies and businesses, and invigorated cultural and social life. Analysis of different approaches in a wide variety of circumstances in different countries makes it possible to identify some key conditions which are essential for managing ethnically diverse societies. Protection against racial or ethnic discrimination, against threatening racist behaviour and violence are vital elements of a national strategy. Immigrant and ethnic minority women are often unofficial and unrecognized mediators between the generations, and between the immigrant or ethnic minority and majority communities. A review of the legal framework, in order that immigrants and ethnic and national minorities can exercise political rights and have security of residence, will make a big symbolic difference.
