We are pleased to announce the Call for Papers for the International Workshop “Cities on the Frontline: Protecting Migrants in Times of Transboundary Crises,” to be held at Pompeu Fabra University - Barcelona on February 26-27, 2026.

In a world where crises - pandemics, climate shocks, economic downturns, and geopolitical upheavals - are the “new normal,” cities play a crucial role in protecting migrants. This workshop interrogates how cities protect migrants in times of crisis, from immediate emergency measures to building long-term resilience. It compares local, national, and transnational practices, highlighting the role of municipal actors, city networks, and civil society and private actors in the governance of crises.

Our aim is to advance a research and policy agenda that places migrant protection at the centre of urban crisis governance. We welcome submissions from diverse disciplinary perspectives – political science, public policy, public administration, sociology, geography, migration studies and related fields – provided they engage with governance processes. We are especially interested in contributions that analyse policies, practices, and actions involving state and non-state actors, as well as multi-level and inter-city dynamics.  

Submission details

Please submit your abstract through this form: https://forms.gle/R1RABP17yhm6ar5X7

Deadline for abstract submission: October 10, 2025

Notification of acceptance: October 17, 2025

No registration fee is required to attend the event.

A limited number of scholarships for junior scholars (doctoral candidates and postdocs) will be available to support participation. These will cover travel within Europe (or equivalent) and accommodation.

This workshop is supported by Spain’s State Research Agency, the Ministry of Science and the European Regional Development Fund through the MunMigra project (Grant AEI-PID2021-129092OA-I00/AEI/10.13039/5011000110339) and the GlocalMIC project (Grant CNS2024-154755).

Access the website link here.