Criticism of the year of integration: Greens demand financing and control!

Criticism of the year of integration: Greens demand financing and control!

Österreich - The discussion about the integration of refugees and migrants in Austria is becoming increasingly important. On June 4, 2025, Sigrid Maurer, deputy club chairwoman and integration spokeswoman for the Greens, expressed concerns about the planned budget cuts for the new integration year. While the Greens generally welcomes the introduction of a mandatory integration year, Maurer warns that such a program remains an "empty shell" without sufficient financial resources, such as ots.at reported.

In the budget committee, the Minister of Integration was unable to demonstrate how the extended offers should be financed by a third in view of a decline in funds. In the past, there have already been deficiencies in the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), which is responsible for the management of a large part of the funds. Media reports have reported quality defects and inadequate care, which Maurer's warning underpins. It calls for more control and transparency from the ÖIF, which it refers to as a "black box", since this parliamentary inquiries do not have to answer.

criteria and programs for integration

A multi -sided project report on the integration program was decided in the Council of Ministers, with prominent parties such as ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS agreed on a common goal of integration. Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm emphasizes the need for faster German courses and support in looking for jobs for asylum seekers and beneficiaries, as reported by the Kleine Zeitung. The program should not apply to immigrants with other residence titles.

A reform of social assistance is sought to create the "integration allowance". In order to promote participation in the program, cuts in pocket money and social assistance are also threatened. It is emphasized that integration is an obligation, and asylum seekers with a high degree of leading probability should receive German courses shortly after their asylum application. Despite these measures, there is criticism of the lack of provision of German courses in the accommodations.

results and challenges

According to a publication of the statistical yearbook "Migration & Integration", which was created by Statistics Austria and the ÖIF, the challenges of integration in Austria are significant. The total unemployment rate rose to 9.9% in 2020, while the unemployment rate for foreigners climbed to 15.3%, which underlines the urgency of effective integration measures (ots.at.

An analysis shows that 63% of 16 to 29-year-olds assess living together as "rather good" or "very good", while over 57% of the over 60 year olds have a negative perspective. This illustrates the different perspectives on integration in different age groups. The accompanying measures for the integration program, which are planned in close cooperation with various authorities, should help to manage these challenges and to make the integration sustainably.