Invitation to the launch forum of the new RfM section „Flucht und Asyl“ (‘Refugees and Asylum’) on Tuesday, 8 December 2026, 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm | ZOOM
The national and EU-wide changes under the reformed Common European Asylum System (Gemeinsamen Europäischen Asylsystems (GEAS)), which will come into force from June 2026, are emblematic of the political efforts to deter refugee migration to Europe and to further erode the human right to asylum. And it goes on and on: The EU Return Regulation, adopted in October 2026, which, amongst other things, provides for ‘return hubs’ in third countries for persons required to leave; the potential revocation of Syrian refugees’ protection status by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF); the planned use of AItools in asylum procedures, and the deliberations on expanding Frontex’s remit and powers as part of the reform planned for 2026, are just a few examples of the extent and speed with which the reorganisation of the migration regime in Europe is currently taking place.
Against this backdrop, the social sciences face important questions:
- What contribution can and must the social sciences make?
- What perspectives arise in relation to theoretical, socio-political and practical (research-related) debates?
- How should opportunities for action – particularly in Social Work – be assessed in light of initial experiences in implementing the CEAS and in view of expected future developments, and how can the social sciences provide critical support in this regard?
Please complete registration here.
The link to the event will be sent by email in good time before the date.
During the panel discussion, representatives from various disciplines and with diverse backgrounds of experience will present their perspectives on GEAS and the current migration regime, thereby providing impetus for the plenary discussion:
• Prof. Dr Andrea Janßen
• Prof. Dr Constantin Hruschka
• Prof. Dr Marei Pelzer
• Pierre Vicky Sonkeng Tegouffo (Brandenburg Refugee Council)
• Dr Sebastian Muy
Organisation & moderation: Prof. Dr Birgit Behrensen
Bernd Kasparek, Birgit Behrensen, Andrea Janßen and Albert Scherr