Data collection
How did you collect the data?
The data was collected by a varied team of researchers using interviews with political actors, scholarly research and the analysis of existing records. The data collection took place between summer 2020 and summer 2021. Due to the fast pace of change in political structures in the cities, we cannot guarantee that the data will remain accurate in the long-term, however, the date of the last revision is noted in the city profiles and the content of the city reports has been updated in October 2023. We will continue to show inspiring approaches on the website even if they are no longer implemented. This is because these practical models can provide the impetus to implement progressive initiatives in other cities.
Which cities did you choose?
The 781 cities that you can find in the “all cities” view of the map have been selected on the basis that they have publicly declared some form of solidarity towards refugees in the last five years, or are active in a network that is committed to a solidarity-based migration policy. The selection does not claim to be complete, even though we would like it to be. If you have noticed cities that are missing, we would be happy to hear from you via mail.
How did you select the featured cities?
The 28 cities featured under the ‘city profiles’ section were selected on the basis of their progressiveness (compared to other cities in their country) in at least one of the following categories:
social rights and inclusion; reception, residence and protection against deportation; political participation, intercultural inclusion and anti-racism; collaboration with civil society initiatives, networking and lobbying work.
In our selection we also endeavoured to have as varied a range of cities in terms of size, geographical location and political environment/context.
It is important to mention that this selection should by no means be understood as a ranking or rating of the best cases amongst all progressive cities, but as an exemplary selection according to the different criteria mentioned. The featured cities, whilst progressive in certain regards, are not without contradictions and ambiguities. In some cases, the featured cities are role models in one specific policy area but are lagging behind in others.
Not all European countries and regions are represented in our mapping so far. However, Moving Cities continues to grow and we are constantly building new contacts with municipal actors and civil society.
A further reason why cities from some European countries are not represented is that whilst these cities have shown themselves to be committed to a different kind of migration politics, they do not want to do so publicly because of the immediate political context or, more precisely, because of the pressure and threats from right-wing politicians, groups and individuals.
Which networks did you select?
We have limited our selection to European and national city networks and campaigns and selected these according to their current level of activity and progressiveness. Our selection does not claim to be all-encompassing.