Through the implementation of ERMiNe, we aimed to strengthen organisations active in the fields of intra-European mobility, return, and diaspora communities. As part of the project, participants were to acquire in-depth knowledge of the opportunities and obstacles associated with freedom of movement, shifting their perspective from national to European. Furthermore, they were to improve inclusive support for intra-European mobility across borders. Participants were expected to gain an understanding of the relevant EU and national policies, institutions, narratives, rights and funding instruments, and further develop their own approaches through peer learning and co-creation. Another objective was to strengthen transnational, intercultural and communication skills, particularly among full-time and voluntary staff with little prior experience of European projects. The project aimed to connect civil society actors to improve support for mobile and returning EU citizens, facilitate mutual learning and advocacy, and expand access to European resources for future joint initiatives, such as securing funding.
We submitted this project because we identified a clear discrepancy between the European nature of freedom of movement and the predominantly national or local focus of organisations supporting people returning to or emigrating from Europe. Although the right to free movement is a fundamental EU right, it is not accessible to all. This poses a significant threat to intra-European mobility. Particular hurdles include the recognition of educational and professional qualifications, the coordination of social security systems, and access to and enforcement of social benefits. Furthermore, there is no structured exchange between these organisations and similar actors in other countries, and their knowledge of EU institutions, policies, narratives, resources and funding is limited. Although returnee organisations are trusted first points of contact, their experiences are not systematically incorporated into European cooperation.