Europe Day Conference 2026: From Migration Narratives to Lived Realities

Schedule

Mon May 11 2026 at 10:00 am to 04:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

French Institute of Scotland | Edinburgh, SC

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From migration narratives to lived realities: exploring public discourse, rights and the experiences of EU migrants in Scotland
About this Event

Citizens Rights Project invites you to our annual Europe Day conference, bringing together researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations, and communities to reflect on the key issues affecting EU and European nationals in Scotland.

This year, the conference focuses on migration narratives β€” exploring how public debate has evolved from before Brexit, through Brexit, and into current policy discussions, and how this shapes the experiences of EU nationals today.

Migration narratives influence public opinion, shape policy decisions, and impact people’s everyday lives. This conference will examine how these narratives are formed, how misinformation spreads, and how we can respond with evidence, dignity and solidarity.

The afternoon programme will also focus on lived realities, including access to rights and services, and the specific challenges faced by different groups within European communities.

As always, we will reflect on our work at Citizens Rights Project and how services supporting EU nationals and other migrant communities must continue to evolve in response to a changing political and social landscape.


Agenda

πŸ•‘: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Registrations
πŸ•‘: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome and introduction
πŸ•‘: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Keynote: Migration narratives across Europe
Host: Sunder Katwala, Director, British Future
πŸ•‘: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel: Migration Narratives Before Brexit, During Brexit, and Now
Host: Dr Idil Akinci, Lecturer in Race and Social Policy

Info: This session will explore how migration narratives have evolved over time β€” from the pre-Brexit context, through the referendum period, and into current policy debates.
The discussion will consider how these narratives are shaped and amplified in political discourse and media, and how they impact the everyday lives of migrant communities in Scotland.


πŸ•‘: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Break

Info: Please note that lunch won't be provided.


πŸ•‘: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Ethnic Minority EU Citizens in the UK
Host: Dr Fiona Costello, Assistant Professor (Law)

Info: Presentation of recent research on the experiences of racialised EU citizens post-Brexit


πŸ•‘: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
Migrant’s Guide to Scotland - Your Human Rights in a Different Country
Host: Charlie McMillan, Director, Human Rights Consortium Scot

Info: An introduction to the resource and key insights from their Migrants Participation Project.


πŸ•‘: 02:50 PM - 03:10 PM
Isabell Poppelbaum, Deputy EU Ambassador to the UK
πŸ•‘: 03:10 PM - 03:30 PM
Chris Murray MP, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
πŸ•‘: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing reflections
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Where is it happening?

French Institute of Scotland, West Parliament Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

GBP 0.00

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