2007 and 2008 Programs for Social Integration of Migrants are launched in March 2009

Policy Response DateMarch 3, 2009 Country: Greece Address: Athens General Type: Equality/Integration Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-migrant/xenophobia
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Integration - social cohesion

The program for Social integration of migrants regarding the years 2007 and 2008 has been launched in March 2009. The Estia is a 26.2-million-euro program funded by the European Union by 75 percent, aiming at facilitating the integration of immigrants into the society. It also aims at raising awareness about migrant issues within the society in order to combat racism and xenophobia. 
Criticism has been publicly expressed, and complaints were submitted to the European Commission DG Employment, for the extremely short deadline of the calls for tender (20 days), and the demanding participation conditions (financial turnover, regular staff) which practically excluded all migrant and some human rights’ NGOs, and favoured private companies and institutes. 

Spurce:

Kathimerini English Edition, Integration for legal migrants, 4.3.2009, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100010_04/03/2009_105205

Eleftherotipia, Pavlou M., Μια χώρα που θα καταπιεί τον εαυτό της, 28.04.2009, http://www.enet.gr/?i=arthra-sthles.el.home&id=38881