AspirE partners engage with EU Parliamentarians on Thai wild berry pickers’ issues

On 10 December 2025, representatives from Tampere University, Mahidol University, and The Isaan Record met with MEP Li Andersson (and other Members of the European Parliament and their assistants) in Brussels to discuss pressing concerns affecting Thai wild berry pickers in Finland.

The delegation presented research insights and evidence on the living and working conditions encountered by Thai seasonal workers in the Finnish wild berry sector. Drawing on investigative work and qualitative data collected over the past two years, partners spoke directly to MEPs about ongoing challenges linked to labour conditions, legal status, and regulatory gaps that have impacted these migrant workers.

Participants highlighted key issues raised by former berry pickers themselves and underscored the need for policy attention at the EU level to ensure fundamental rights and protections are upheld. The discussion also touched on recent legislative changes in Finland treating wild berry picking as seasonal employment, aimed at improving oversight and combating exploitation.

This exchange reflects a shared commitment among researchers, media partners, and policymakers to deepen understanding of migration-related labour concerns and to advocate for evidence-informed responses that support migrant workers’ rights. Read more about this meeting HERE.

Stay tuned to the AspirE website for updates and forthcoming publications on research and policy engagement related to migration and labour practices!