Masterclasses European Migration Law for Professionals
- In short
- Up-to-date knowledge of EU asylum and migration law
- Learn from top lecturers at Utrecht University
- Open to professionals, no legal background required
- Blend of theory, practice, and current case law
- Certificate of completion awarded
Deepen your knowledge of EU asylum and migration law
The European Union’s framework on migration is constantly evolving, with major legislative changes shaping the rights and responsibilities of citizens, migrants and states. Are you a professional working within this complex legal landscape? This program offers you the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the most recent developments in EU asylum law, citizenship, and migration policy. Through interactive sessions led by leading experts at Utrecht University, you will gain access to the latest legal developments and policy debates—delivered in line with the academic standards of the university’s European Law Master’s programme.
What will these masterclasses offer you?
- Develop a solid understanding of recent changes in EU asylum law, migration policy, and EU citizenship law, including broader implications at the national levels.
- Strengthen your ability to apply case law and policy developments directly in your professional work.
- Enhance your capacity to collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations in applying and implementing relevant European migration law.
- Learn how to formulate practical solutions to real-world challenges such as refugee protection, asylum transfers, and family reunification.
- Be prepared for future developments in the field, backed by an academic foundation that enables you to anticipate and respond to legal change.
This program is designed to be accessible to professionals from diverse backgrounds. You do not need a legal degree—just a professional interest in European migration law and policy.
Who are these masterclasses for?
This program is ideal for professionals working in the fields of EU migration law, policy, and human rights, including:
- NGO staff
- Government officials (local or national)
- Legal professionals (lawyers, judges, legal advisors)
- Policy officers
- Staff from international organizations (e.g., UNHCR, IOM)
Legal expertise is not a requirement, but participants should have a professional interest in EU law and migration policy.
Structure & duration
The program includes:
- Six interactive masterclasses (November 2025 – January 2026)
- One additional feedback session with expert instructors
Mixed classroom
You will take part in the same sessions as master’s students, offering a unique opportunity to learn alongside future specialists in European law. This “mixed classroom” setup fosters rich exchanges of perspectives and is fully embedded in the academic setting of Utrecht University’s European Law master’s program.
Program content
1. EU Asylum Law and Fundamental Rights
Period: September – November
This part of the program explores the latest developments in EU asylum law, focusing on:
- 📌 International protection and temporary asylum schemes (e.g. the EU’s response to the Ukraine crisis)
- 📌 Revised asylum procedures and Dublin regulations (including transfers of asylum seekers between EU member states)
- 📌 Return, relocation, and resettlement of refugees (with a case focus on the Syrian refugee crisis)
2. Migration and Citizenship in the EU
Period: November – January
Participants will examine the legal dimensions of EU citizenship and migration rights, with a focus on:
- 📌 EU citizenship and free movement rights (mobility and non-discrimination within the EU)
- 📌 Family reunification and children’s rights (key rulings by the CJEU and the European Court of Human Rights)
- 📌 Public order and national security restrictions (legal limits to free movement and expulsion cases)
Overview (subject to change)
Date | Masterclass | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
September 2025 | International protection and temporary asylum schemes | 15.15 - 15.00 hrs | Utrecht |
September 2025 | Revised asylum procedures and Dublin regulations | 15.15 - 15.00 hrs | Utrecht |
October 2025 | Return, relocation, and resettlement of refugees | 15.15 - 15.00 hrs | Utrecht |
November 2025 | EU citizenship and free movement rights | TBA | Utrecht |
December 2025 | Family reunification and children’s rights | TBA | Utrecht |
January 2026 | Public order and national security restrictions | TBA | Utrecht |
Additional Information
The first three masterclasses will take place on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. The exact schedule and times will be announced at a later date.
The final three masterclasses will be scheduled later this year.
Lecturer
Dr. Salvatore Nicolosi
Dr. Salvo Nicolosi is Assistant Professor of European and International Law at Utrecht University and coordinator of the European Law master’s programme. He leads the research theme on Citizenship and Migration within the Utrecht Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in Europe (RENFORCE) and is affiliated with several interdisciplinary networks, including SIM and the Utrecht Centre for Global Challenges. His expertise lies at the intersection of EU asylum and migration law and international human rights. Salvo also serves as a legal expert for the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and regularly publishes on the Common European Asylum System.
- s.nicolosi@uu.nl
- View profile
Lecturer
Prof. mr. dr. Hanneke van Eijken
Prof. Mr. Dr. Hanneke van Eijken is Professor of Rule of Law and Democracy. She is the first professor to be appointed under the Alex Brenninkmeijer rotating chair.
In addition, Hanneke is a member of the editorial board of the Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Europees Recht (Dutch Journal of European Law), a regular contributor to the SEW Tijdschrift voor Sociaal-Economische Wetgeving (Journal for Social and Economic Legislation), and an editor of the European Gender Equality Law Review.
Alongside her legal work, Hanneke is also active as a poet.
- h.vaneijken@uu.nl
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Lecturer
Mr. dr. Viola Bex-Reimert
Viola Bex-Reimert is Associate Professor of Administrative Law at Utrecht University. Her research examines the intersection of administrative and immigration law, including asylum credibility assessments, deportation, and nationality revocation. She uses both legal and empirical methods and previously worked at the University of Groningen.
- v.m.bex-reimert@uu.nl
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Lecturer
Mr. dr. E.R. (Evelien) Brouwer
Evelien Brouwer is Assistant Professor and Senior Researcher at Utrecht University, affiliated with the Montaigne Centre. Her research focuses on EU asylum, migration, and data protection law, with an emphasis on border technologies and fundamental rights. She previously worked at VU Amsterdam and was a Fernand Braudel Fellow at the European University Institute. She is a member of the Meijers Committee and a deputy judge.
- e.r.brouwer@uu.nl
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Lecturer
Prof. dr. mr. Paul Minderhoud
Prof. Paul Minderhoud holds the chair in Regular Migration Law at Utrecht University, focusing on the admission and legal status of non-asylum seeking foreigners in the Netherlands. His research covers EU migration law, including free movement, family reunification, and return policies. He collaborates with the Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe) and the Utrecht Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in Europe (RENORCE).
- p.e.minderhoud@uu.nl
- View profile
Admission Requirements
Legal expertise is not required, but participation does require a professional interest in EU migration law and policy.
Registration
Please note: only 10 spots are available! So make sure to register on time, and no later than August 1, 2025.
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the masterclasses, you will receive a certificate from Utrecht University.