European Return and Migration Network

Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family.

Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, 2013.

Overcoming Barriers to Free Movement

Freedom of movement is a core European value, yet for millions of migrants and returnees, the process remains complex, costly, and filled with bureaucratic barriers. While institutions have largely overlooked these challenges, dedicated organisations across Europe have long supported people through the often difficult journey of emigration and return.

The European Return & Migration Network (ERMiNe) has been launched as a transformative initiative to support European citizens in exercising their right to free movement. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme under the Small-Scale Partnerships in Adult Education, the project will run from December 2024 to February 2026, fostering collaboration between organisations across Europe.

Our Goals

Building a Supportive Network

Connect organisations across Europe that support migrants and returnees to foster long-term collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint advocacy efforts.

Promoting Inclusion and Participation

Strengthen the social participation of returnees and emigrants by developing inclusive education and counselling programmes adapted to diverse needs—considering age, gender, social background, and life circumstances.

Empowering Organisations and Their Teams

Enhance the digital, intercultural, and counselling skills of both full-time and volunteer staff to improve the quality and accessibility of support services.

Bridging Gaps with Digital Tools

Expand the use of digital media and social networks to reach target groups more effectively, especially those with fewer opportunities or facing systemic barriers.

An Overview of the Project

Interactive Online Workshops

Empowering Organisations and Individuals

A key component of ERMiNe is its six interactive online workshops, designed to enhance participants’ understanding of European mobility rights and practical support mechanisms.

Each workshop will include expert speakers, group discussions, and practical case studies.

Participants will also have access to a digital learning platform featuring supplementary materials and asynchronous expert interviews.

1 The Right to Free Movement & Establishment

Understanding EU policies and the legal framework that guarantees mobility.

2 Social Rights for Mobile EU Citizens

Exploring access to healthcare, social benefits, and employment rights across borders.

3 EU Institutions & Migration Narratives

Examining how European institutions shape migration policies and public discourse.

4 Challenges & Risks of Free Movement

Identifying barriers faced by mobile citizens and strategies to overcome them.

5 Funding & Support Mechanisms

Mapping EU funding opportunities and learning how organisations can access financial support.

6 The Importance of European Networking

Strengthening cross-border collaboration to support mobile European citizens.

1 Dublin (Winter 2025)

Kicking off the project by fostering commitment and learning
from the Irish experience in supporting the diaspora community and returnees.

2 Brussels (Spring 2025)

A deep dive into European institutions, funding programmes, and migration networks.

Participants will engage with EU policymakers and advocacy groups to explore funding and policy implementation.

3 Berlin (Fall 2025)

Focusing on national implementation of European migration
policies, this seminar will include meetings with government representatives and civil society organisations to examine real-world applications.