Second Meeting of the Stakeholder Expert Panel (SEP) in Poland
M. Pachocka during the opening of the 2nd SEP Poland meeting, Source: M. Krępa
On November 29, 2024, the second hybrid meeting of the Stakeholder Expert Panel (SEP) Poland was held at the Centre for Migration Research, University of Warsaw (CMR UW). This event marked a significant milestone for the Horizon GAPs project, showcasing progress made by the Polish partner, CMR UW, and focusing on critical discussions surrounding return migration in Poland and the EU.
The meeting, opened by Prof. Paweł Kaczmarczyk, Director of CMR UW, underscored the importance of the GAPs project in shaping Poland's migration strategy for 2025-2030. Prof. Kaczmarczyk highlighted the challenges surrounding return migration, emphasizing the need for evidence-based recommendations to inform policymakers and reach relevant ministries and stakeholders.
Dr. Marta Pachocka, project coordinator at CMR UW, provided an overview of the project’s objectives and the Polish team’s contributions across multiple work packages. She detailed key deliverables, including the GAPs Data Repository on Returns (WP1), reports and working papers (WP2), and the dissemination of findings through platforms such as the GAPs Blog and conferences (WP10). The significance of the SEP as a forum for stakeholder engagement was also stressed.
M. Krępa during the presentation of WP7 report results, Source: M. Pachocka
The meeting spotlighted two draft reports central to advancing return migration debates:
1- WP7 Report on Migration Trajectories
Presented by Mateusz Krępa, this report explores the lived experiences of individuals navigating return migration, including those at risk of return due to legal status uncertainties. Based on qualitative interviews, it categorizes migration trajectories into four types, shedding light on the complexities faced by returnees. The report drew praise from external reviewers, Dr. Inga Hajdarowicz and Dr. Kamila Fiałkowska, for amplifying the voices of returnees, particularly at the Polish-Belarusian border.2- WP3 Report on Poland and Georgia
This report examines Poland as a sending country and Georgia as a case study of reintegration efforts for returnees. Presentations by Dr. Tomasz Sieniow, Mateusz Krępa and Anna Trylińska highlighted findings from fieldwork and return monitoring, revealing gaps in the implementation of forced return monitoring and challenges in voluntary return programs. Observations of guarded centers and insights into reintegration programs were shared, sparking discussions on improving return practices and policy frameworks.
The panel also benefited from the expertise of SEP members, including Mr. Andrzej Domalewski, who provided critical reflections on voluntary returns, drawing on his experience with the Border Guard.
Discussions throughout the meeting offered valuable suggestions for finalizing the reports, emphasizing the need to strengthen forced return monitoring mechanisms and refine reintegration practices.
The meeting concluded with a briefing on upcoming project activities and an invitation for SEP members to continue their engagement in future initiatives. The insights gained reaffirm the GAPs project’s role in informing and influencing return migration policy at both national and EU levels.
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