Circular Migration in Serbia: Connecting Worlds - Building Future

12 December 2023, Belgrade, Serbia

Registration & Press statements

Short video on circular migration

Opening remarks

Speakers
‣ Đorđe Milićević, Minister without portfolio in charge of coordinating activities and measures in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, Government of the Republic of Serbia
‣ Martin Klaucke, Head of Operations II, Delegation EU to Serbia
‣ Dejan Molnar, Director, Foundation for the Advancement of Economics (FREN)
‣ Ranka Miljenović, Executive Director, European Policy Centre (CEP)

Panel 1: Crossroads of Experience: Comparative Practices in Circular Migration

The first panel will offer a comparative perspective on circular migration practices, drawing insights from Estonia, Bulgaria, and Ireland. Participants will explore how these countries have approached circular migration and the lessons that can be applied to Serbi a. This session provides a unique opportunity to assess international best practices and adapt them to the Serbian context.

Coffee Break

Panel 2: Panel 2: Harvesting Opportunity Labour Market and the Circular Migration Equation

In this panel, the primary focus will be on Serbia's labour market, delving into its unique challenges and its intricate relationship with potentials of the circular migration phenomenon . Esteemed panelists will engage in a thorough examination of how circular migration can serve as a strategic tool to address labour market imbalances and, in turn, stimulate economic growth.

Speakers
‣ Miloš Turinski, PR Manager of the employment group, Infostud, Serbia
‣ Stefan Jakovljević, Senior Advisor in Center for the support to investments and Public Private Partnerships, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
‣ Aleksandra Lakićević, Deputy head of the global programme “Migration for Development” and “Migration and Diaspora”, GIZ in Serbia
‣ Danijela Bobić Tasić, Economic Development Specialist, UNDP in Serbia

Lunch Break

Panel 3: Mosaic of economic migrations: Regional perspectives and strategic directions in Serbia

This panel investigates the multifaceted landscape of economic migrations within Serbia. It aims to explore how various regions in Serbia experience and respond to economic migration, examining the unique challenges, opportunities, and strategic approaches each region employs. By providing regional perspectives, the session seeks to shed l ight on the complex mosaic of economic migrations in Serbia, offering also insights of Regional Centres of Excellence for economic migrations in Serbia, offering also insights of Regional Centres of Excellence for Circular migration (ReCeEx) about the diverse strategies and directions taken by different parts Circular migration (ReCeEx) about the diverse strategies and directions taken by different parts of the country to harness the benefitof the country to harness the benefits of circular migration for their respective communities and s of circular migration for their respective communities and economies.economies.

Speakers
‣ Gordana Bjelobrk, Head of the Department for Demography and Health Statistics, Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia
‣ Dragan Roganović, Executive Director, Ibar Development Association
‣ Aleksandra Savić, Coordinator of ReCeEx for the region of Southern Serbia, Centre for Civil Society Development – PROTECTA
‣ Srđan Vlaškalić, Founder and Executive director, Sombor Education Centre
‣ Vladimir Šulović, Coordinator of the project "Strengthening capacities and partnerships for migration management in Serbia", Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of Republic of Serbia

Coffee Break

Panel 4: Voices from the Loop: Experiences and Insights of Circular Migrants

The final panel will bring the voices and experiences of circular migrants to the forefront. Through first hand accounts and personal insights, this session will offer a unique perspective on the challenges and success stories of circular migrants. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the real life impact of circular migration on individuals and communities.

Closing

Circular migration is a topic of profound significance in today’s globalised world. It encompasses the movement of individuals between their home countries and host countries, driven by economic, social, and personal motivations. Understanding and effectively managing circular migrations is vital as it has a far reaching impact on the market, regional development, and the overall well being of both migrants and their home countries. The significance of circular migration holds even greater weight for countries like Serbia, which struggle with pressing demographic challenges.

By facilitating circular migration, Serbia can harness the potential of its diaspora, promote economic growth, and foster international collaboration. However , circular migration poses challenges related to labour market dynamics, social integration, and policy coordination.

This conference aims to unravel the complexities of circular migration, offering insights, best practices, and comparative perspectives that will help shape informed policies and strategies in Serbia and beyond. On December 12, 2023 in Belgrade, at the conference Circular Migration in Serbia: Connecting Worlds Building Futures , as a collaborative effort of Foundation for the Advancement of Economics (FREN) and European Policy Centre (CEP), within the project Circular Migration before Depopulation! we will be exploring the complexities of circular migration and depopulation and delving into the various facets of the intriguing circular migration phenomenon , unveiling its nuances and implications.

The working language of the event is Serbian with provided translation.

If you want to attend the event in person, please register here.

If you want to follow the event online, please register.