“Colonial Narratives and EU Migration Policies” workshop will be hosted by the European Centre for Populism Studies (ECPS) in Brussels on 21 October, as part of the UNTOLD Europe project’s Work Package 3: Recognising Colonial Public Policies. The event will explore how dominant discourses surrounding migration and migrants in Europe continue to shape European policies, often drawing on colonial narratives and legacies that still resonate in today’s political debates.
With a strong focus on human rights and gender dimensions, the workshop will critically explore how these colonial-rooted discourses frame migrants, reinforce hierarchies, and normalise exclusion. At the same time, it will provide space to imagine and articulate alternative narratives—ones that challenge these legacies and pave the way for fairer and more inclusive approaches to migration.
Bringing together scholars, civil society actors, and policy practitioners, the workshop will not only foster dialogue but also work toward policy recommendations for EU decision-makers. By engaging diverse stakeholders, Untold Europe seeks to amplify marginalised perspectives and contribute to more just and humane migration policies across the continent.
Tentative Programme (Highlights):
- Introductory Presentation: Colonial continuities and human rights issues in EU migration policy
- Stakeholder Roundtable: Perspectives from migrant leaders, CSOs, legal experts, and policymakers
- Small Group Discussions: Based on predefined case studies
- Collective Session: Interactive discussion on developing actionable recommendations for EU migration governance
- Closing Discussion: Pathways for raising awareness among stakeholders