Progressive Migration Group – Nairobi

Migration is a defining issue at the heart of the Africa-EU partnership. As global power dynamics shift and the multilateral order faces increasing strain, cooperation between the African Union (AU), African regions and countries and the European Union (EU) on migration policy continues to be shaped by both opportunity and tension. While last year, the New Pact on Migration and Asylum stood out in the EU’s approach to migration management, this year, returns and conditionality are back on top of the EU migration agenda – particularly in relation to Africa.  

The persistence of unilateral and security-driven measures risks undermining shared development goals, regional integration and mutual trust between regions. In this evolving context, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) will continue their work with the Progressive Migration Group (PMG) to foster dialogue and develop forward-looking migration policies.

Throughout 2024, the PMG convened a series of expert discussions focusing on key dimensions of EU-Africa migration cooperation – from the contradictions between migration control and regional integration, to the unbalanced dynamics of return and readmission policies, and the broader implications of a fractured global governance system for mobility across and beyond Africa. 

The 2025 Nairobi consultation built on this work, bringing experts together to reflect on PMG positions and its strategy at this critical moment. Structured around four interlinked panels, the meeting explored potential synergies of African-EU migration cooperation, scrutinised the growing use of conditionality in return negotiations, examined how the crisis of multilateralism reshapes migration trajectories and responsibilities, and looked inward to refine the PMG’s advocacy strategy for the year ahead. 

By gathering experts and civil society actors from both continents, the meeting aimed to create a space for honest, informed and progressive debate. In doing so, it sought to strengthen alliances and formulate policy proposals that, at a later stage, will be shared with European and African decisionmakers, with the hope to inform their decisions and move towards a more balanced and sustainable migration partnership – one that respects human rights, supports regional integration and reflects the aspirations of people on both sides of the Mediterranean.  

Read the PMG’s 2024 recommendations.

For more information regarding the project and this event, please do not hesitate to contact Hedwig Giusto, Senior Research Fellow and Editor in Chief of the Progressive Post, FEPS (hedwig.giusto@feps-europe.eu) or Julia Wild, Project Officer, FEPS (julia.wild@feps-europe.eu).