The topic of the keynote speech given by MEP Professor Marju Lauristin was the changing definition and future of nation states and the emphasis on the importance of shifting the balancing point of integration policy between the EU-wide level and the nation state level. Currently too much is left up to nation states or even local municipalities, with too little regulation on the EU side.
A recurring theme of many of the presentations was integration on the labour market and in employment as well as culturally. States must help to ensure that migrants have easier and faster access to the labour market through changes in policy. Likewise, immigrants integrating with their host country's culture is even more important than merely learning its language. It could even be concluded that without cultural integration there can be no nation states.
Another major theme was the sharing of a series of guidelines for dealing with crisis scenarios. The keywords were establishing constant and honest communication; leaving aside emotions and maintaining rationality whilst also retaining empathy; involving as many relevant parties in resolving the crisis as possible; and sustaining healthy relationships with everyone involved, no matter how difficult it may seem. Overall it is important to find a balance between idealism (what should be done) and pragmatism (what can be done).
Conference summary.
Full video of the conference at Postimees opinion portal.
Conference presentations.