During the last decade Europe has experienced a new dramatic increase in migration flows. Populations migrating to European countries may fall into the following general categories: (a) third country citizens, (b) European non-member-country citizens, (c) European member-country citizens. Main causes of migration recorded include: (i) political instability/regime issues, (ii) violation of human rights, (iii) warfare issues, (v) financial crisis and austerity measures, (vi) natural disasters.

The complexity of issues causing people migrate from their homeland composes a unique migration mosaic in Europe with more particular characteristics that shall be seriously taken into consideration when designing migration and integration policies in European and national levels.Integration policies have proved to be very important to national and local community life both for natives and migrants.

They facilitate the establishment of good communication and mutual understanding between different cultures, promote awareness and sensitize all parties involved on otherness issues, promote access to public services and enhance services provided. To that end the role of intercultural mediation has been found to be catalytic. It is important nevertheless that intercultural mediation be exercised by trained and experienced professionals who obtain all necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to promote and not to hinder its scope.

Based on the individual national reports submitted by all partners, the present synthesis research report addresses issues of intercultural migration in Europe such as the needs for Intercultural Mediators for Immigrants (migration flows, integration issues etc.), definitions and forms of intercultural mediation (IM), an overview of the relevant literature, the political and legal framing of IM in the countries involved; it also discusses issues related to educational standards, employment opportunities and qualifications, as well as recognition procedures and evaluation models.

The current status of IMfI in Europe is also presented through the results of a field survey conducted among all stakeholder categories such as employment entities, training organizations and intercultural mediator communities. The report concludes with suggestions for further research.