Embedded Files
Abstract
Europe is the target of a large number of immigrants. At the same time, EU regions experience an increasing shortage of workforce. A fast, adequate and sustainable access of migrants to labour is thus essential. In order to foster the effective inclusion of migrants and EU citizens with a migrant background into the labour market SALAM focuses on the active collaboration of a variety of actors. SALAM aims at developing and consolidating policies and practices for a fast-track labour market integration of immigrants and NEETs. The project uses the methodology of the ‘institutional learning process’ among regional and local governments.
Target
Regional and local policy makers and stakeholders
Project Lenght
12.12.2023 - 30.03.2028
Funding type
Interreg Europe
Principal Investigator
Francesca Torlone
Research Group
Vanna Boffo, Giovanna Del Gobbo, Arianna Antonielli, Francesco De Maria
Project Partners
Centre-Val de Loire Regional Council
Region Västra Götaland, Administration of Folk High Schools
University of West Timisoara
European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning
TUSCANY REGION - Regional Government - Continuous Training and Professions Sector
Municipality of Mark
The Labour Market Unit Labour Market Centre
Public Employment Service of Catalonia
Association of the Folk High Schools Baden-Württemberg
West Regional Development Agency
Poltava City Council
KHOTYN CITY COUNCIL
Link to the Project Website
https://www.interregeurope.eu/salam
Contacts
francesca.torlone@unifi.it
Bilateral Exchange Between SOC and Municipality of Mark
within the SALAM
Bilateral Exchange Between SOC and Municipality of Mark
within the SALAM
20 May 2025
20 May 2025
As part of the European SALAM project (Supporting Action for Learning and Mutual Exchange), a bilateral exchange took place on 20 May 2025 between the Catalan Public Employment Service (SOC) and the Swedish municipality of Mark, with the involvement of PIMEC (Catalan employers' organisation of SMEs). The exchange focused on SOC's “Next Diversitat” programme, which aims to support the labour inclusion of vulnerable groups through tailored strategies and partnerships with private actors.
The University of Florence, as an academic partner of the SALAM project, is contributing to the documentation, communication, and visibility of these exchanges. A collaborative digital board (Padlet) has been created to summarise the main elements discussed, identify transferable practices, and support the mutual learning process. Photos and materials from the meeting will be shared on the Interreg Europe SALAM website.
This exchange represents a concrete example of transnational cooperation and learning among European stakeholders in the field of employment and inclusion.
➡️ Access the summary Padlet: https://padlet.com/francescatorlone1/salam-soc-practice-on-next-diversitat-program-for-mark-20-ma-le2bhuata4nz17ry
➡️ Learn more about SALAM: https://www.interregeurope.eu/salam
For further updates on the SALAM project, stay tuned to our website and communication channels.
Ukrainian Delegation from Khotyn Visits Florence to Explore Best Practices on Migrant Inclusion Practices at regional/local level
On July 7–8, 2025, the Tuscany Region and University of Florence welcomed a delegation from the Khotyn City Council (Ukraine) for a two-day peer learning visit focused on social inclusion, employment, and training for migrants and internally displaced people (IDPs). The visit was hosted by the Tuscany Region and the University of Florence, in the lead-up to the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 to be held in Italy.
The event was part of the SALAM initiative, a project that supports mutual learning and cooperation between European and Ukrainian municipalities in the context of post-war recovery.
During the visit, Mayor Andrii Dranchuk and his team engaged with representatives from Tuscany’s regional government, as well as local organizations and institutions, to exchange ideas and experiences on how to build inclusive communities and support people fleeing conflict.
Focus Areas: Jobs, Skills, and Support
The discussions covered key areas such as:
Access to employment opportunities for migrants and IDPs
Vocational education and skills development
Support for entrepreneurship and local economic growth
Health and social services tailored to newcomers
Talent attraction and retention strategies
Participants from Tuscany Region and Regional Stakeholders shared their own strategies and programs aimed at integrating newcomers into the local labour market using a holistic and human-centred approach.
Site Visits and Collaboration Talks
The Khotyn delegation also took part in bilateral meetings with officials from the Tuscany Region’s departments to explore potential avenues for future cooperation. Field visits included the Don Gnocchi Rehabilitation Centre in Scandicci and Meyer Children's Hospital in Florence—two centres of excellence in rehabilitation services.
Partners such as ANCI Toscana and CNA Toscana Centro contributed to in-depth discussions on how municipalities can work together to improve local policies and services for displaced people and migrants and their inclusion in the labour market.
Building Bridges for Recovery
This exchange was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a step toward building lasting partnerships between local governments in Italy and Ukraine, focused on inclusive recovery, community resilience, and shared innovation.
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