Mayors in the Spotlight: a new series by the SHARE Network

 

European cities and towns are at the forefront of the reception and integration of refugees and migrants. Local mayors,  are key and vital leaders in ensuring  workable solutions for new arrivals and their host communities. Historically,  big cities as Berlin, Paris,  Barcelona and Amsterdam played pioneering roles in this field. However: many middle-sized European municipalities, often in rural areas, also have longstanding experience. Particularly since 2015, a growing number have engaged in receiving newcomers, developing strategic approaches towards integration.  

 

The new SHARE Network’s series “Mayors in the Spotlight” aims to celebrate and showcase the leadership of local Mayors in smaller and rural municipalities across Europe, paving the way to a more welcoming Europe. 

 

For the first article, SHARE interviewed Jannewietske de Vries, Mayor of the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân in the Netherlands, on engaging the local community in ensuring resettlement arrivals of 140 resettled refugees during Covid 19.   

 

Click on the pictures to read the articles and be inspired by these stories showing how small places can have great hearts!

 

                                               

  Jannewietske de Vries,                                         Vasilios Tsiakos                                                       Ricardo Corredor

Súdwest-Fryslân, the Netherlands                         Karditsa, Greece                                                     Tardelcuende, Spain