Panel Discussion: Exploring Alternative Pathways to Returns

Three leading Horizon Europe-funded research projects (GAPs, FAiR, MORE) studying EU’s return and readmission policies will convene a significant policy dialogue at the European Parliament (room SPAAK 4B1) on November 19, 2025, from 09:30-12:00. The projects will present their key findings and engage in critical discussions about alternatives to existing return frameworks.

This joint initiative will bring together EU and Member State policymakers, civil society actors, and researchers to examine the limitations of current return policies and explore humane and effective alternatives to coerced returns. The panel will feature Members of the European Parliament and policy officers from the European Commission as discussants, ensuring high-level engagement with the research findings.

  • Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025

  • Time: 09:30 – 12:00 (CET)

  • Place: European Parliament, room SPAAK 4B1

  • Format: In-person

Please register your participation here by 9 November. 

Contributions will be made by GAPs, FAiR and MORE project researchers, including: 

  • Zeynep Şahin Mencütek,GAPs

  • Soner Barthoma, GAPs

  • Arjen Leerkes, FAiR

  • Representative from MORE (tbc)

We are also pleased to welcome:

  • Tineke Strik, co-host, Member of the European Parliament (Green/EFA Group) 

  • Fabienne Keller, Member of the European Parliament (Renew Group) 

  • Michail Moschovakos, European Commission

Further speakers are currently being confirmed and will be announced shortly.

Registration is required for attendance. Please use the provided registration link to secure your participation in this important policy dialogue. 

The event location in the EU parliament is formally being made available at the request of the Greens/EFA group. 

Registration link
 
Inside GAPs