ERMiNE kick-off meeting in Dublin: A successful start to a collaborative journey
From 24-27 February, Dublin played host to the official launch of our European Return and Migration Network (ERMiNe), gathering partners from across Europe for a dynamic three-day exchange of ideas, expertise, and collaboration. ERMiNe brings together key organisations from Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Germany, and Spain, with the event marking the beginning of a shared journey towards strengthen intra-European mobility, promote social inclusion, and improve access to services for EU migrants.
Insightful Discussions
The programme was packed with insightful discussions and learning sessions, beginning with a deep dive into expectations for the project, communication strategies, and planning for upcoming activities in our next stops Brussels and Berlin. The heart of the event lay in the contributions of expert speakers, who offered valuable perspectives on migration, return policies, and diaspora engagement. Among them were Kamila Weglicka, from EURES Ireland Coordination Office which provided valuable insights into the role of EURES in supporting jobseekers across Europe and their work within Ireland. In addition, Dr. Martin Russell of Global Diaspora Insights explored the role of diaspora diplomacy and the importance of strategic networking, while Paula Fitzsimons of Back for Business shared her work in fostering entrepreneurial opportunities for returning emigrants through mentorship and peer support.
We were also privileged to host a number of sessions was with key representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), whose expertise shed light on Ireland’s role in supporting its global community. Karl Gardner, Director of the Irish Abroad Unit (IAU), spoke about the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which provides crucial funding to Irish organizations worldwide, ensuring that Irish citizens abroad—whether long-term emigrants or recent returnees—have access to vital support services. Conor Lawlor and Aisling Behan from the Consular Directorate detailed the practical assistance available to Irish citizens all across the world, including providing them with guidance for those navigating the complexities of returning home. These discussions reinforced the importance of governmental engagement with different NGOs.
Irish Cultural Engagement
Beyond the formal sessions, the kick-off meeting provided an opportunity to explore Irish culture and Ireland’s emigration history, with a self-guided tour to the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and another guided tour of Dublin done by Father Alan Hilliard. These informal moments helped solidify relationships, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that will drive the project forward.
As the ERMiNe kick-off meeting came to a close, participants reflected on the path ahead. The project, which runs until 2026, will continue to develop best practices, enhance advisory services, and advocate for policies that protect and empower EU citizens on the move. With the next meeting set to take place in Brussels, where the focus will shift to engaging with EU institutions and policymakers, the momentum from Dublin will undoubtedly drive ERMiNe toward meaningful and lasting impact.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this important work and read more about ERMiNE here.
