Masterclasses European Migration Law for Professionals

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 compact masterclass 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.

• Develop a solid understanding of recent changes in EU asylum law, migration policy, and EU citizenship law, including broader implications at the national levels.
• Deepen your knowledge of the new EU Migration Pact and its implementation in the Netherlands.
• Strengthen your ability to to interpret and 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 for current 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.

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)
• Journalists who follow developments in the field of asylum and migration

Legal expertise is not a requirement, but participants should have a professional interest in EU law and migration policy.

The program includes:

• Two interactive masterclasses

Mixed classroom

The masterclass is embedded in the academic environment of Utrecht University. You will be introduced to current developments in European migration law as they are discussed and researched at a leading research university.

Part of the teaching takes place alongside students from the European Law master’s programme. This creates a rich learning environment and offers opportunities to exchange perspectives with future specialists in European law. At the same time, the masterclass leaves ample room for professional practice: part of the programme is followed exclusively with your own group of professionals, with attention to application in the Dutch context.

1. The Migration Pact, the New EU Asylum Legislation and Implementation in the Netherlands

With the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the role of lawyers and civil society operations will become increasingly pivotal, as they are called on ever more closely to uphold the duty to safeguard fundamental rights. Among these rights, the right to asylum serves as a cornerstone, while the right to legal defence remains the primary means of protection.

This session 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 (including transfers of asylum seekers between EU member states and solidarity mechanisms)
• 📌 The implementation of the new asylum legislation in the Netherlands

2. Migration and Citizenship in the EU

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)

Admission Requirements

Legal expertise is not required, but participation does require a professional interest in EU migration law and policy.

How do I register?

Thank you for your interest in the masterclass European Migration Law for Professionals. You can register using the yellow button.