Policy Lab on EU–Asia migration: Insights from Policy Briefs and stakeholders

On Friday 26 September 2025, AspirE and its collaborator think tank CEPS hosted a Policy Lab on EU–Asia migration policies with the aim of aligning policy frameworks with the lived realities of aspiring (re)migrants. The event brought together stakeholders from European institutions, trade unions, civil society, and academia to reflect on key challenges and promising practices in mobility between Asia and Europe. The event was held under the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to speak openly while ensuring confidentiality.

The discussion centred on two AspirE policy briefs:

• Policy Brief 3 - Regular migration from Asia to Europe examines administrative and procedural obstacles faced by Asian migrants seeking regular pathways into Europe. Drawing on extensive interview data, it highlights how bureaucratic burdens and fragmented policies shape both aspirations and decisions. The brief proposes practical recommendations, including regular evaluation of application procedures, simplification of processes, and ensuring accessible, up-to-date information in English.

• Policy Brief 4: Enhancing Migrant Support Systems looks at the networks and resources that migrants rely on before and during their mobility journey. Findings show that aspiring migrants lean heavily on family and friends, often in the absence of strong institutional support, which can increase their vulnerability. The brief calls for strengthening the role of embassies and consulates, developing pre-migration skills programmes, and empowering educational institutions to better support mobility.

Participants reflected on the relevance of these findings for current EU debates, highlighting the need for simplified procedures, strengthened support systems for migrant workers, and policies that acknowledge diverse migration experiences. Attention was also given to how existing policies might be made more responsive to the realities on the ground.

This Policy Lab highlighted the value of engaging researchers, policymakers, civil society, and stakeholders in assessing the relevance and applicability of research findings for policy discussions. As we prepare the final set of policy briefs, this event marks a significant step in improving the translation of AspirE’s research into actionable recommendations.