Berlin, 29.1.25

The European Return & Migration Network – Advancing Intra-European Mobility (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.

Coordinated by Werkstatt für Sozialforschung e.V. (Germany), ERMiNe brings together key organisations from Germany, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Latvia and Poland including:

• Volvemos.org
• Raphaelswerk e.V.
• Asociación Granadina De Emigrantes y Retornados (A.G.E.y.R.)
• Safe Home Ireland
• ItalyUntold
• Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project
• Barka e.V.
• Ar pasaules pieredzi Latvijā
• Bundesverband spanischer sozialer und kultureller Vereine
• FEAER

Overcoming Barriers to Free Movement

Despite the EU’s legal framework guaranteeing free movement, many individuals – especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds – face barriers such as economic instability, lack of social networks, and difficulties accessing rights and services.

ERMiNe seeks to address these challenges by:

• Enhancing knowledge of intra-European mobility rights and the policies that govern them.
• Developing best-practice models for advising and assisting mobile EU citizens.
• Strengthening European networking and collaboration between diaspora organisations.
• Providing targeted educational opportunities, including digital learning resources and in-person seminars.

“Freedom of movement is a core value of the European Union, but many citizens struggle to access the necessary support structures,” said project manager, Miguel Montero. “ERMiNe aims to equip both individuals and organisations with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate intra-European mobility effectively.”

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.

Topics include:

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.

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.

Face-to-Face Seminars in Dublin, Brussels and Berlin

In addition to online learning, ERMiNe will organise three in-person seminars:

• Dublin (Winter 2025) Kicking off the project by fostering commitment and learning from the Irish experience in supporting the diaspora community and returnees.
• 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.
• 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.

Expanding Access Through Innovative Learning Formats

To ensure inclusivity, ERMiNe will introduce additional learning support mechanisms, including:

• English Conversation Courses Helping participants improve their language skills to better engage in international discussions.
• Simulation Games Allowing participants to experience real-life scenarios and challenges faced by mobile EU citizens.

Strengthening the European Return & Migration Network

The project will be guided by an Advisory Board of leading experts in migration, EU policy, and diaspora affairs. Board members will provide strategic insights, ensuring the project’s activities align with the evolving needs of mobile European citizens.

By fostering cross-border cooperation and knowledge-sharing, ERMiNe seeks to build a more inclusive, informed, and empowered European society, where all citizens can fully exercise their right to mobility.

For more information about ERMiNe and how to get involved, visit https://project-ermine.eu or contact info@wfs-info.org.