Beyond Brexit: addressing the challenges for EU citizens in Scotland
A conference organised by the Citizens Rights Project to commemorate Europe Day 2025
Friday 9th May, 0930 - 1600, free
Venue: French Institute in Scotland, Edinburgh
Migrants often face systemic disadvantages in host societies due to cultural and language barriers, limited knowledge of the system, and socio-economic challenges. Brexit and the introduction of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) have exacerbated these issues, compounded further by the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
This seminar will present the experiences of EU citizens in these areas. It will provide an opportunity for local and central government, NGOs, and other service providers, along with elected representatives and policy makers, to understand and consider how they can meet the needs of the European communities in Scotland
Key sessions on the day will include:
💬 Roundtable: "The Impact of COVID-19 on EU Migrants: Lessons Learned and Future Implications"
Speakers:
Anna Gawlewicz - University of Glasgow
Emmaleena Käkelä - GEN-MIGRA Project
Alice Castelnuovo - Simon Community Scotland
This session aims to explore the multifaceted effects of the pandemic on EU migrant communities, focusing on challenges, inequalities, and key lessons learned. Topics will include:
- The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on some migrant communities
- Systemic barriers highlighted by the pandemic, such as access to healthcare, welfare, and employment.
- Policy recommendations to address identified inequalities and strengthen resilience in future crises.
📝 Presentation: Employability Barriers Faced by Migrants
Oana Liliac, an experience employability advisor for minority ethnic groups, will provide an insight to the systemic and internal barriers faced by migrants and people from minority ethnic backgrounds in Scotland, drawing on personal and community engagement experiences.
📝Presentation: The Cost of Living Crisis and the Polish Community in Scotland: Understanding Impact and Inequalities
Magdalena Czarnecka, CEO from Feniks: Counselling, Personal Development and Support Services Ltd, will present the findings from their recent research that examines how rising living costs affect Polish migrants in Scotland, their mental well-being, and their ability to cope with pre-existing inequalities.
💬 Roundtable: "Navigating Double Discrimination: Ethnicity and Migration Status Post-Brexit"
Speakers:
Adriana Uribe - Grampian Regional Equality Council
Ellie Surmanova - The Space Glasgow
Helena Demba - the3million
This discussion will address the compounded challenges faced by Black, Latin American, Asian, Roma, and other ethnic minority EU nationals who, post-Brexit, confront both the need to secure migration status and racial discrimination. Key issues include:
- Experiences of non-white EU nationals facing challenges to their nationality by both the Home Office and the EU countries they come from/got a nationality from.
- The added layers of ethnicity, racism, and stereotypes affecting these communities.
- Systemic barriers and the lack of effective support from organisations, councils, and other entities.
- The importance of understanding and addressing the specific needs of these communities.
The conference will be followed by a concert of an award-winning chanteuse Christine Bovill to celebrate European Day with an intimate evening of song. Tickets can be purchased via the French Institute's website.
