We-ID

• • Deepen understanding of the links between identity, cohesion, and democracy, particularly under conditions of migration.
  • Explore the impacts of migration on both host societies and migrants’ identities.
  • Identify local and national factors that strengthen or hinder belonging, participation, and integration.
  • Develop and implement practical tools such as the Civic Competences Toolbox (CCT) to empower local leaders and organisations in fostering inclusion and democratic resilience.
  • Offer evidence-based policy recommendations to address exclusion, support integration, and combat discrimination against women, LGBTIQ+, and ethnic minorities.

• • Case studies and pilot projects are conducted in regions across Europe experiencing demographic and migration-related transformations.
  • We-PARL (Policy, Advocacy, and Research Lab) provides a transdisciplinary platform for collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders.
  • We-SCOUTS equips local actors with tools to manage conflicts, create social spaces, and foster participation within their communities.
  • Stakeholder workshops, roundtables, and public engagement events bring together diverse perspectives to inform research findings, best practices, and actionable policy recommendations.
  • Toolkits and resources are developed to support local communities in implementing democratic and inclusive initiatives.

• In the We-ID project, the CBSS notably leverages its expertise in regional cooperation to address key challenges related to identity and cohesion in diverse communities.
• The CBSS organises scenario-building exercises, thematic roundtables, and stakeholder workshops across the Baltic Sea Region to collect insights and promote inclusive policy-making.
• The CBSS-led activities specifically provide knowledge for both local and macro-regional strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development and democratic resilience.

European societies are increasingly confronted with interconnected challenges known as “polycrises,” encompassing economic instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and political polarisation. These crises have intensified social inequalities and heightened feelings of insecurity, isolation, and disconnection, particularly within marginalised communities. Such conditions have created opportunities for populist and far-right groups to exploit fears related to migration and identity, fuelling narratives of division and exclusion.

The We-ID project seeks to counter these trends by fostering social cohesion through local engagement and democratic participation. By investigating the impacts of migration and demographic change on both migrants and host communities, We-ID aims to develop strategies for inclusive integration. Research highlights the importance of community-driven solutions, such as shared social spaces and intergroup dialogue, to sustain trust, foster belonging, and build resilience against polarisation and exclusion.

For more information, visit Population Europe’s We-ID project page.