This report is part of the EU's Divercities Project, which examines the profile and impact of urban diversity. The report finds that urban policies and initiatives in Athens—including both initiatives only implemented in Athens as well as initiatives also implemented in other Greek cities—deal with the notion of 'diversity' in an indirect way. Urban policies address the issue of diversity mainly in order to introduce EU policies. Similarly, governance schemes do not deal with the issue of diversity per se, but do tackle diversity issues via projects and initiatives related to migration issues, competitiveness and amelioration of inner city living conditions.

The report analyses the perception of diversity as addressed by governance initiatives, especially by focusing on initiatives related to i) social cohesion, ii) social mobility and iii) economic performance. Governance initiatives promote social cohesion, social mobility and economic performance through both bottom-up and top-down arrangements. For example, bottom-up initiatives include the organisation of solidarity efforts related to learning the Greek language, food distribution and health issues. These bottom-up initiatives thus undertake the role of the welfare state and promote an agenda of self-organisation and self-support. Meanwhile, top-down initiatives seek to create bonds among the migrant and local Greek populations. For example, Migrant's Integration Councils provide formal spaces where local officials, immigrant organisations and social agencies can address migrant issues.

However, the report concludes that urban policies in Athens relating to diversity issues ultimately promote a neo-assimilationist agenda. Social, cultural and ethnic groups, which could be considered assets to the city’s economy, are instead perceived as possible sources of tension. In urban policies, the words ‘diversity’ or ‘multiculturalism’ are used in order to receive European funding in accordance with the EU's policy guidelines. At the same time, regional and municipal authorities tend to converge with public order-oriented and neo-assimilationist policies, especially regarding migration policy issues.

See more from the Divercities Project:

1. Urban Policies on Diversity in Athens, Greece
2. Fieldwork entrepreneurs in Athens
3. Fieldwork inhabitants, Athens