On 11 June 2026, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) brought together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, sponsors, and community representatives from across Europe in Vilnius to celebrate the achievements of the RISE project and explore the future of community sponsorship as a tool for integration.
The event marked the culmination of a multi-country initiative implemented in Lithuania, Belgium, and Italy, aimed at strengthening community-based approaches to migrant integration and fostering greater civic engagement in welcoming newcomers.
Opening remarks were delivered by Aurelija Makauskienė, Head of Office, IOM Lithuania, Gediminas Pocius, Director of the Reception and Integration Agency, and Konstantinos Athanasiadis, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). Speakers emphasized the growing importance of community engagement in integration efforts and the role of local communities in creating more inclusive societies.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address, “What Do Community Sponsorship Experiences Tell Us About Integration in Europe?”, delivered by Mieke Schrooten, Associate Professor of Social Work at Odisee University of Applied Sciences and the University of Antwerp. Her presentation explored integration as a lived and everyday experience, emphasizing that meaningful integration depends not only on policies and institutions but also on human relationships, social networks, and community support.
Throughout the conference, project partners from Belgium, Italy, and Lithuania presented the key findings and achievements of the RISE project. Discussions highlighted how community sponsorship can complement formal integration systems by reducing social isolation, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating opportunities for meaningful connections between newcomers and host communities.
The programme also featured interactive workshops and panel discussions that brought together sponsors, practitioners, policymakers, diaspora representatives, and individuals with lived migration experience. Participants exchanged practical insights on supporting integration, building trust within communities, and addressing ongoing challenges, particularly access to housing and sustainable support structures.
The conference underlined that while community sponsorship models can successfully strengthen integration pathways, their long-term impact depends on continued cooperation between public institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and migrants themselves.
While the RISE project has formally concluded, its legacy will continue through the partnerships established, evidence generated, and practical tools developed to support the wider adoption of community sponsorship and community-based integration initiatives across Europe.
