The national objectives for the integration of ethnic minorities are put into practice through a variety of initiatives. One of these is the Danish Urban Regeneration Programme. The programme started as an experiment aimed at combating social isolation and segregation in disadvantaged communities in Denmark. Seven projects commenced in 1997, and in 2001 five new projects were initiated. The 12 projects are located throughout Denmark, primarily in large cities (Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has five urban regeneration projects in progress).

The 12 projects cover geographical areas with a total population of 120,000. The projects initiated in 2001 have a time span of seven years, while the others will run for five to seven years. The total budget for the Danish Urban Regeneration Programme is DKK 1.2 billion. The funding is provided respectively by the Central Government, the local municipalities and external funds. Two-thirds of the funding granted is targeted towards urban renewal in run-down areas, the remainder towards activities in such fields as education, employment, the environment and the integration of ethnic minorities.

The National Secretariat for Urban Regeneration - Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs
http://www.inm.dk/Index/mainstart.asp?o=31&n=0&s=5
Asger Munk, tel. +45 33 95 33 80