Integration in EU Member States remains a challenge not only for TCNs who are seeking to rebuild their lives but also for the local communities and authorities who envision a peaceful coexistence and prosperous life between all the people living in these communities. In the wake of the massive influx of migrants, the need for linguistic and cultural mediation increased sharply both in the receiving countries and in the territories that migrants and asylum seekers cross to reach their destinations.

Unfortunately, the access to financial services (particularly at traditional banking institutions) for TCNs are hindered by the limited language proficiency, registration, legal status, lack of experience and knowledge about the (local) financial system and their product offers. Several concepts and interantional agencies have emerged as crucial policy tools to fight against social and financial exclusion, promote self employment and support microenterprises. Also, they have recognized the importance of adequate language mediation, not only in handling the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) process but also in the provision of basic civil services. According to the recent reports, the European financial institutions targeting microfinance need financial and technical support to develop new products and services tailored to ethnic entrepreneurs who do not have a long track record in EU MS and therefore require special attention.

PLOUTOS seeks to ensure that TCNs become productive members that contribute to society and thus promote the welfare and growth of the area they live in. Also, PLOUTOS aim to impact the local communities by increasing TCN’s confidence and motivation for self- employment thanks to a new skillset as well as it will reduce the fear and instability that comes as a result of TCNs dependence on the surrounding society. In addition, the project will facilitate TCNs’ access to financial services through language and community interpreting courses, entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, and innocative technological tools especially designed for TCNs.