S3 - Episode 3 Migrant lives and social ties across Europe

In this episode, the spotlight turns to the EU-based AspirE research teams, who share their main findings from interviews and social network mapping conducted in Europe. After introducing themselves, the researchers explain who participated in their studies: how many migrants were interviewed, their demographic profiles, and how they were contacted.

They then discuss the key factors shaping migrants’ decisions to stay, return, or move onward within or beyond Europe, including how local and EU-level policies influence these (re)migration aspirations. Drawing on their work with Network Canvas, the teams also unpack insights from social network mapping, showing how family ties, friendships, community connections, and institutional support shape migrants’ choices and opportunities.

Together, the EU-based researchers offer a comparative and grounded understanding of the lived experiences and social networks influencing migration pathways across European contexts.