EUMIG-BiH Opening Conference Held at SSST University
The University Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) successfully hosted the Opening Conference of the Jean Monnet Module EUMIG-BiH: Migration, Integration and Governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina – EU Standards and Local Challenges, co-funded by the European Union.
The event took place on 11 December 2025 at the SSST campus in Ilidža and marked the official launch of this three-year academic initiative dedicated to strengthening research, teaching, and public engagement on migration and EU integration in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The conference was opened by Chancellor, Prof. Ejup Ganić, who emphasized the importance of academic institutions in shaping informed public debate and contributing to evidence-based policy development, particularly in areas of social relevance such as migration and integration.
Following the Chancellor’s remarks, Project Coordinator, Prof. Ružica Čubela Bajramović, presented the vision, objectives, and upcoming activities of the EUMIG-BiH Jean Monnet Module. Prof. Čubela Bajramović highlighted the module’s interdisciplinary character, its focus on EU migration standards, and its aim to bridge academic knowledge with practical experience and engagement.
Panel Discussion: Migration, Integration, and EU Standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The conference continued with a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Maja Savić-Bojanić, bringing together experts from key institutions involved in migration governance and EU integration processes:
Alfredo Strippoli, Delegation of the EU to BiH, Panelist
Sanela Mujanović, Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Panelist
Dragana Bulić, World Vision, Panelist
Marijana Dinek, BHWI Executive Director, Panelist
Panelists discussed the current migration landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenges related to harmonization with EU acquis, the role of civil society in supporting migrant communities, and the importance of coordinated institutional responses. They also highlighted the need for improved public understanding of migration dynamics and for strengthening cooperation between state institutions, NGOs, and academic actors.
Theatre Performance: “I Want to Live”
One of the most memorable elements of the conference was the performance of the theatre production “I Want to Live”, performed by individuals with lived experience of migration and displacement. Developed within the programmes of BHWI, the performance offered a powerful, authentic, and deeply human perspective on the lived realities of migration. Through personal stories, movement, and expressive narration, the performers illuminated themes of loss, resilience, identity, and hope.
The emotional impact of the performance resonated strongly with the audience, reminding attendees of the complex human dimensions behind migration statistics and policies.
Following the performance, participants had the opportunity to engage informally with the performers during “Coffee with Actors”, fostering dialogue and reflection on the experiences shared on stage.
A Three-Year Module Dedicated to Research, Teaching, and Engagement
The EUMIG-BiH Jean Monnet Module is being implemented over a three-year period and runs from October 2025, offering a series of academic activities, training programmes, field visits, research initiatives, and public events. The module aims to deepen understanding of EU migration governance, enhance analytical and professional capacities, and promote cooperation between academia, civil society, and institutions.
Learn more about the EUMIG-BiH module, explore upcoming activities, and pre-register by visiting our official project website: https://www.eumig-bih.com/main-teaching-module
The first teaching cycle will begin in March 2025, with a training programme open to students, academic staff, policymakers and public sector officials, civil society representatives, and professionals working in migration, human rights, and EU integration.
