The aim of EUM POWER
The free movement of people within the EU makes it easier to work across borders. At the same time, it presents challenges: many EU labour migrants are not well informed about their rights and responsibilities when they start working in another country. Conversely, municipalities and regions often lack sufficient insight into who is living and working in their area. For both local authorities and migrants, it is crucial to improve this situation.
EUM POWER explores how to enhance information provision for intra-EU labour migrants. The project brings together a consortium of nine partners from eight different EU countries, led by European Impact at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Over the course of four years, the partners will work together to improve local and regional policies concerning EU labour migration.
A first exchange of knowledge and ideas
The formal project launch on 6 May took place online and provided an opportunity for a first exchange of ideas among the partners.
"We've taken the first step in answering the question: what can we learn from each other during this project?" says project coordinator Remmelt de Weerd of European Impact. "That question will be a guiding theme throughout the coming years. As Lead Partner and practice-oriented researchers, it's our role to facilitate this knowledge exchange and ensure that valuable insights are translated into policy practice."
During the kick-off, the partners also aligned their joint ambitions. Each organisation shared its mission and expectations. It became clear that this diverse partnership ensures a geographically balanced approach, taking into account the unique characteristics and needs of EU labour migrants in different regions.
What are the next steps?
With the official launch behind them, the partners will now begin developing their own local Policy Instruments. This includes setting up stakeholder groups and gathering and analysing relevant knowledge and data.
Preparations are also underway for the first in-person partner meeting, which will take place in September in The Hague and Ninove (Belgium).
Interested in learning more about EUM POWER and its partnership? Visit the project website for more information.
