In recent years, Western European governments have increasingly embraced strategies to promote equality between migrants and EU nationals in key policy areas. One emerging trend in integration policy is mainstreaming, where the needs of vulnerable groups like immigrants are integrated into broader policies such as employment and education, rather than addressed through separate interventions. To analyze this trend, the author develops a Policy Index of Mainstreaming in Labour Market Support, covering data from 2006 to 2016 across 25 EU/EEA countries. The paper examines the scope of mainstreaming and the level of access to these mainstreamed policies for different migrant groups. It reveals that although mainstreaming challenges traditional integration models, political ideology does not always lead to significant institutional changes. This finding supports the historical-institutionalist view that policy change is often compatible with existing institutional frameworks. The Index uncovers varied policy patterns across countries, showing a complex landscape in how migrants are integrated into labor market policies. It also highlights that some countries have been more successful than others in incorporating migrant needs into mainstream policies. Despite differences in political climates, the general trend has been toward a more inclusive approach. However, the paper also points out that challenges remain, especially for groups with more specific needs. It concludes that mainstreaming has the potential to create more cohesive integration strategies, but its full implementation requires overcoming institutional and political obstacles. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader understanding of how immigration policies evolve within the framework of European labor markets.
