In our new publication, we turn our attention to the institutions and policies relevant for diasporas of EU countries – the mirror to the global mapping of partner countries.

In a bid to answer the question of how EU Member States engage their diasporas – a question often raised by our partners – and complete the picture of how different countries approach diaspora engagement, we commissioned research into the legal and policy frameworks, institutions and practices in place in the EU’s 27 Member States.

Maria Regina Tongson, freelance researcher and member of the Diaspora Youth Community of EUDiF internship alumni, took on the task and presents a useful report for those curious to understand what European nations have in place for their communities abroad.

Just like the global mapping of 120+ partner countries, this report offers an overview of the policies, practices and institutions at the core of diaspora engagement. Through the research, we have identified 97 relevant public institutions and found that 13 EU MS have a dedicated law, strategy or policy.

In Europe, as in other regions, national approaches to diaspora engagement are rooted in migration history, demographics and national policy priorities. This is reflected in the both the national frameworks and plays out in trends at sub-regional level – there are classic approaches and novel elements, including Estonia’s expansion of the concept of diaspora itself! Collating this information offers potential for enhanced peer learning within Europe and between regions.

We recommend reading “Reaching out” in combination with the regional overviews (Africa – Asia – Eastern Europe and Central Asia – the Middle East – the Pacific) and reflecting on how EU MS do – and do not – engage their diasporas by contrast with other parts of the world.

P.S. For a visual representation of Europe’s institutional profile and timeline of its institutionalisation since the 1990s, explore the typology of institutions.