Our history

The Migreurop network originated in the early 2000s in a context marked by the tightening of European migration policies. The Franco-British border was one of its emblematic starting points, with the Sangatte camp symbolizing a Europe that organizes the large-scale exclusion of foreign nationals. It was in this context that, during the European Social Forum in Florence in 2002, a seminar on “the Europe of camps” brought together activists and researchers eager to share analyses and experiences. From this meeting, the Migreurop network was informally created, and was officially established as an association in 2005.

Today, it brings together around a hundred associations, activists, and researchers from 18 countries across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Maghreb, and the Middle East, with the aim of analyzing, documenting, and denouncing the consequences of European migration policies on the rights of exiled people. For 20 years, the network has helped build connections between civil societies in the various countries along migration routes, working together against deadly European policies, and advocating for the respect of rights and freedom of movement for all.

20 years of struggle against deadly migration policies

In 2025, the Migreurop network celebrated its 20th anniversary. On this occasion, a documentary film* directed by Romain Kosellek was produced, retracing the history of Migreurop.

The following text traces the history of the struggles led by Migreurop, from the closure of camps to freedom of movement:

Migreurop in maps

This map by Lucie Bacon shows the evolution of Migreurop members by country since 2005:

This map, also produced by Lucie Bacon, presents volunteer missions carried out by the Échanges et Partenariatsprograms between 2009 and 2025:

* This documentary was produced with the support of the Inkermann Foundation.