Conference in Brussels: Family reunification under strain: restrictive v. flexible policies

Family migration is a crucial and sensitive issue that has been recognized at EU level since the adoption of the Directive on the right to family reunification in 2003. While the Directive defines and frames the conditions for the exercise of the right to family reunification, Member States have some leeway when it comes to implementation. A new study commissioned by the King Baudouin Foundation and carried out by the European Policy Centre, in cooperation with the Odysseus Academic Network, covering nine EU Member States, demonstrates that, in general, national rules on conditions for family reunification have been modified repeatedly to make family reunification more difficult.  Although this restrictive trend is shared by a majority of Member States, a number have adopted more flexible policies in this regard.

The Conference discussions will be divided into two parts. The first part will bring together a number of academic experts to discuss the legal aspects raised by the study. The second panel will debate the politics surrounding the right to family reunification and will attempt to answer the question "Conditions for family reunification, a tool for managing migration flows or for better integrating migrants?"

This event will constitute a first and timely in-depth discussion following the expected publication of the European Commission Green Paper on family reunification scheduled for 15 November.

The conference will take place on Thursday 17 November 2011, 9.00-12.30, followed by lunch (Registration from 8.40) at Résidence Palace, Polak Room, 155 Rue de la Loi, 1040 Brussels.

The languages of the conference will be English, French and Dutch, with simultaneous translation provided.

Please confirm your participation by replying to: n.news@epc.eu