Gdańsk
The forerunner of inclusion policy in Poland
Key Takeaways
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Together with cooperating local authorities, one committed mayor can make a crucial difference of national importance.
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The “Immigration Integration Model” helps implement inclusion policy in a comprehensive way across municipal organisations.
What is unique about Gdańsk?
Prioritising inclusion and solidarity: Gdańsk is the leader in inclusion policy among Polish cities. Issues relating to refugee inclusion have been high on its political agenda for several years already. The city’s authorities, including the mayor, have repeatedly emphasised the need to adopt inclusion, solidarity and anti-discrimination measures for the benefit of Gdańsk's new residents.
What is the focus of local migration policies?
A comprehensive policy design: In 2016, Gdańsk adopted the "Immigration Integration Model" with the aim of designing and implementing integration policy in a comprehensive way across all municipal organisations. The model currently serves as a best practice example for designing integration measures for other municipalities in Poland.
What are the key factors?
A mayor who made a difference: Former President of Gdańsk Paweł Adamowicz instigated much of the city’s particular commitment to dealing with migration-related issues. In 2015, he was one of the few Polish politicians to strongly advocate for the rights of refugees. On the initiative of the Centre for Supporting Immigrants, but also thanks to Mayor Adamowicz’s personal involvement, Gdańsk began creating the Immigration Integration Model that would set the course of the city’s policy on inclusion.
Political activities and advocacy beyond the city level
Gdańsk has taken a public stance against restrictive national immigration politics and has advocated for migrant rights in Poland on numerous occasions. With the support of the integration team of the Union of Polish Metropolises (UPM) – which it helped set up – Gdańsk encourages other Polish cities to adopt a pro-inclusion approach. Together with other UPM members, Gdańsk issued a statement expressing its willingness to offer shelter to children and families who were victims of the Moria refugee camp fire on Lesbos
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Download the full city report
The city report contains more information about the city’s migration and inclusion policies and selected local approaches. Report from 2021, updated in 2023.