Insights from MPG’s contributions to migration and education policy debates

In March 2025, MPG contributed to two key events in Brussels, bringing evidence and rights-based perspectives to discussions on EU return policies and trauma-informed education for migrant and displaced children.

At the “Migration and Security: Safe Borders – Safe EU?” conference – hosted by EU Watch and HIAS Europe –  Dr. Carmine Conte, Senior Legal Policy Analyst at MPG, spoke on the panel “EU Return Policies: Prioritising Enforcement or Human Rights?”. Presenting insights from the Finding Agreement in Return (FAiR) project, he called for return systems that are not only effective but also fair, transparent, and grounded in EU fundamental rights.

Carmine emphasised:

• Return policies must respect human dignity and uphold EU fundamental rights.

• Effectiveness alone is not enough – returns must also be just, humane, and sustainable.

• Tougher and more restrictive return policies do not necessarily lead to higher return rates.

• The creation of return hubs risks violating the principle of non-refoulement and may leave migrants in legal limbo.

• Enforcement should never come at the expense of due process and effective remedies.

• Alternatives such as regularisation programmes should be considered to support integration.

A few days earlier, on March 20, MPG joined the Final Conference of the ENABLE Project, focused on building trauma-informed education systems for migrant, refugee, and displaced (MRD) children. These children often face serious emotional challenges, yet schools across Europe are not always equipped to meet their needs.

Dr. Mojib Atal, Integration Policy Analyst at MPG, presented findings from the SIRIUS Watch project, with recommendations to strengthen psychosocial support in schools:

• Integrate mental health support into national education policies;

• Train teachers and staff in trauma-sensitive and culturally competent practices;

• Ensure access to psychologists, interpreters, and dedicated support staff;

• Create safe spaces and peer programmes to foster resilience;

• Tackle discrimination and verbal violence in schools;

• Promote early intervention and engage families and communities.

Learn more about the ENABLE Project.