On invitation of the European Integration Network (EIN), 26 representatives of governmental and non-governmental institutions from 13 countries gained insights in the Portuguese integration system on 4 and 5 June 2018. The study visit focused on the well developed multi-stakeholder and "whole-of-government" approach pursued in this country.

Integration policies in Portugal are based on local centres, close cooperation with municipalities and civil society, involvement of migrant communities and implementation of an inter-cultural model for integration. Highlights of the study visit included a one-stop-shop centre for early integration services in Lisbon, Sintra's local integration policies and specific plan for refugees, a neighbourhood youth center and a meeting with several leaders of religious communities.

The European Integration Network brings together representatives of public authorities from all EU countries, plus Iceland and Norway. Its primary role is to promote cooperation among EU Member States and to foster dialogue with European, national, local and regional authorities, as well as civil society organisations. Knowledge exchange activities include targeted study visits, peer reviews, workshops and mutual assistance actions on specific integration aspects. The study visit in Portugal was the third mutual learning activity of the EIN after Sweden and Germany in 2017.

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