To stimulate cooperation, the COST CA21143 Transnational Family Dynamics in Europe (TraFaDy) Core Group provided an additional opportunity for members of WG3 “Social Rights and Social Protection of Transnational Families”, to meet in-person in the spring of 2024. On May 10, WG3 convened at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. The one-day hybrid meeting was organized by Karolina Lendák-Kabók (Eötvös Loránd University) in cooperation with WG3 leader Vida Česnuitytė.
The meeting focused on advancing ongoing projects, publications, and webinars, while also strengthening collaboration among working group members. Twenty WG3 members were invited to attend in-person, the others had opportunity to participate online. An intensive program was prepared for the event. The WG3 meeting coincided with the MSCA Intermarriage and Ethnic Identity (IMEI) Closing Event, which had started the previous day, on May 9, 2024. This arrangement allowed WG3 members to attend additional presentations. One highlight was the presentation titled “Displaying Difference, Displaying Sameness: Mixedness as a Key to Question Theories on Cultural Diversity” by Francesco Cerchiaro, which provided a thought-provoking exploration of cultural diversity and the theories surrounding it.
Another notable presentation was given by Faruk Çam, titled “Syrian Refugee Crisis and Transnational Families in Turkey and Slovenia”. His talk highlighted the potential for further research supported by the TraFaDy, and offered valuable insights into the experiences of transnational families affected by the refugee crisis. He also used this opportunity to elaborate on the STSM Grant process under the TraFaDy.
Furthermore, discussions were organized by the leaders of WG3 subgroups, also, by members working on proposals for peer-reviewed Special Issues, books, individual book chapters, and upcoming webinars. A key activity during the meeting was a brainstorming session on Country Reports, aimed at collecting data from various countries on transnational families. These reports will promote discussion, facilitate scientific research, and lead to publications by WG3 members over the next two years. Overall, the meeting provided numerous publication opportunities and reinforced future collaborative efforts among the participants.
Meeting Agenda (Budapest, Hungary Local Time prevails. All the time is according to the CET)
May 10, 2024
09:00 – 9:30 Welcome!
Introduction of aims and expectations from the Meeting
09:30 – 10:30 Francesco Cerchiaro
Displaying difference, displaying sameness: mixedness as a key to question theories on
cultural diversity
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break (Ground Floor, Room 0.100B)
11:00 – 11:45 Introduction of publication opportunities
11:45 – 12:30 Workshop for fostering collaborative works
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch Break (Ground Floor, Room 0.100B)
Lunch will be facilitated by the event organizer
13:30 – 14:00 Presentations by the Workshop groups
Collaborative works in the future, with agenda and calendar
14:00 – 14:30 Presentation by Faruk Çam (STSM to Slovenia)
Syrian Refugee Crisis and Transnational Families in Turkey and Slovenia
14:30 – 15:30 Brainstorming on Country Reports
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee Break (Ground Floor, Room 0.100B)
16:00 – 17:00 Roundtable Discussion
Presentation of what WG3 is expected to produce in the next 2 years and discussion on how to contribute to these goals.
Debate on the country reports. Determining the editors and contributing authors for the Country Reports.
Finalizing with future plans
17:00 Closing