The city of Mechelen becomes the 120th member of the European Intercultural Cities Programme.
© Wikipedia / Paul Hermans
This programme was launched at the initiative of the European Council to boost exchanges between different cultures. It uses a constructive approach to provide global analysis strategies for cities. Several practical analytical tools are made available to help local stakeholders in the different stages of the process.
Mechelen, a Flemish city famous for its historical and artistic heritage, is extremely diverse, with 132 nationalities and 30% of residents having an immigrant background. To join the programme, it significantly changed its image by investing in social cohesion, safety and integration.
Mechelen has carried out a great deal of work over the last twenty years and has become a benchmark Belgian city in terms of the integration of diversity. Its membership of the Intercultural Cities Programme will allow it to become more visible on the European scene.
