Subtheme 1
Borders as a Political Space
Examining political, legal, and policy dimensions, including immigration, security, and institutional innovation.
About
With 720 directly elected MEPs representing around 450 million EU citizens, the Parliament plays a central role in legislating and overseeing policies, including those that impact borders. MEPs organise into political groups (by affiliation, not nationality) and work through committees, plenary sessions, and delegations.
Source: European Parliament
Visit Details
When:
April 8, 2025, from 15:30 to 16:30 (gallery visit from 16:30 to 17:00)
Where:
Room PHS 4B47
Who We Will Meet*
*85% confirmed
Relevance
Parliamentary debates, committee work, and plenary sessions showcase how political processes shape border regulations and address migration challenges.
Discussion Focus Tips
Explore how legislative actions and political groups redefine borders and integration in a multinational context.
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How does the Parliament’s work with the Council shape border policies?
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What roles do liaison offices and delegations play in managing EU external borders?
About
A political assembly representing local and regional authorities across the EU, and an equal number of alternates elected at local or regional level, with five-year terms. The President and First Vice-President are elected every two and a half years by the assembly. The CoR’s 329 members advise on legislation impacting regional development and migration. They work at the intersection of local governance and EU policy, influencing how borders are managed on a day-to-day basis.
Source: euromontana
Relevance
The CIVEX commission of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) plays a key role in shaping the political and legal dimensions of EU borders, as it focuses on migration, integration, and fundamental rights, addressing how local and regional authorities navigate border governance. Through its work, the commission promotes territorial cooperation, helps resolve administrative obstacles, and contributes to policy debates on security, mobility, and cross-border governance within the EU.
Visit Details
When:
April 9, 2025, from 11:30
Where:
Room JDE 4041,
Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 99
Discussion Focus Tips
Focus on how EU borders have evolved as political spaces, balancing free movement with security concerns. The role of local and regional authorities in managing migration and border policies, as well as the impact of cross-border cooperation initiatives like Euroregions and INTERREG programs, are also interesting themes to approach. Other key topics for discussion:
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How can decentralized governance help address territorial disputes within the EU?
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What are the implications of digitalization, external partnerships, and crisis response mechanisms for EU borders?
Who We Will Meet
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Provides an overview of the CoR’s structure and key functions.
Ms. Sinead O’Hara
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Explores the committee’s initiatives on migration and border management.
Note: Both speakers are integral to CIVEX (the CoR’s Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs).
Source: edf-feph
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
About
A consultative body representing 329 members from employers, workers, and civil society across EU Member States. The EESC channels grassroots perspectives into EU policymaking, addressing key issues such as migration, social rights, and economic governance. Members are nominated by national governments and appointed by the Council of the EU for five-year terms. Every two and a half years, a bureau (with a president and two vice presidents) is elected to ensure representation.
Visit Details
When:
April 9, 2025, from 12:30
Where:
Room JDE 4041,
Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 99
Relevance
Their discussions on territorial policies and internal market dynamics illuminate how political borders are defined, debated, and sometimes reformed. The EESC offers a platform for civil society to influence EU decision-making, reflecting debates on national territoriality and the contestation of borders. And its work on issues like migration and internal policy changes, directly illustrates how borders are used as instruments of legal and political innovation
Who We Will Meet
Mr. Jean Marie Rogue (Directorate C)
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Expert on human rights and member of the EESC’s ad hoc group on Fundamental Rights, will present and guide us through their approach to fundamental rights and border-related social issues.
Discussion Focus Tips
The discussion could center on how EU border policies affect fundamental rights, particularly migration, asylum, and freedom of movement. Key points might include the challenge of ensuring security while upholding human rights, the role of civil society in protecting migrants, and the legal obligations of both the EU and member states. Other topics might be:
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What are the risks of biometric and AI-driven border controls?
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How do border policies affect asylum seekers and cross-border workers?
Migration Policy Group (MPG)
About
An independent think-and-do tank based in Brussels, MPG conducts cutting-edge research and campaigns on migration, integration, and anti-discrimination. Their evidence-based approach shapes policy debates and promotes inclusive practices.
Key Activities:
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Gathering, analysing, and sharing data
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Facilitating dialogue and mutual learning
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Engaging stakeholders in policy debates
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Establishing and managing expert networks
Relevance
Through initiatives like the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) and the European Website on Integration (EWSI), MPG examines how migration policies shape governance, social cohesion, and rights negotiation across borders. By fostering policy dialogue, mobilizing stakeholders, and promoting evidence-based research, MPG highlights the complexities of border governance and its impact on migrant inclusion within the EU.
Visit Details
When:
Tuesday, April 8 at 11:30
Who We Will Meet
Dr. Başak Yavçan (Head of Research)
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An expert in migrant and refugee integration and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Yavçan leads MPG’s research into comparative policy and border management strategies.
Source: migpolgroup
Discussion Focus Tips
This is an opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between migration policies and border governance. Some key topics to explore:
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How do EU migration policies shape borders politically and legally, and what role does MPG play in this?
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How can MPG’s research guide future policies on the emerging challenges in border governance?
Where:
Avenue de Tervueren 32-34, box 1
Borders as a
Political Space
Examining political, legal, and policy dimensions, including immigration, security, and institutional innovation.
Borders and Everyday Life: Bordering as Practice
Focusing on the material and symbolic practices that shape everyday experiences of borders.
Borderscapes
Exploring how art and cultural expressions reveal, reinterpret, or obscure the boundaries that define our shared spaces.