“The Future of Return” Conference by Opora Foundation

The Future of Return: Towards Long-Term Solutions for Ukrainians Abroad and in Ukraine

Date: Thursday, 4 December 2025
Venue: The Hague Humanity Hub, The Hague
Format: Hybrid (in-person and online participation available)

This event explores the evolving landscape of return and reintegration of Ukrainians amid ongoing conflict, and how today’s decisions can shape durable, future-oriented solutions. It also considers the growing importance of a dual intent approach, which supports the integration and self-reliance of displaced Ukrainians abroad while maintaining the conditions for safe and sustainable return when circumstances permit.
At the heart of the discussion is Opora’s Navigating Return study, which examined the well-being and lived experiences of Ukrainians who returned home after previously holding Temporary Protection status abroad. Conducted in partnership with Upinion and Laguna Collective, the research combines survey data, in-depth interviews, field observations, and a review of existing literature to present a comprehensive, human-centered view of return in a time of uncertainty.

By bringing together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from the Netherlands, Ukraine, and beyond, this conference offers space to reflect on emerging insights, identify evidence gaps, and consider how to support return processes that are safe, dignified, and rooted in the long-term realities of Ukrainians – both at home and abroad.

Conference Schedule

9:30 – Registration

10:00 – 10:15 | Opening & Welcome

10:15 – 11:00 | Presentation of the Research Findings by the Opora Foundation Research Team

11:00 – 12:00 | Panel Discussion
Return in Perspective: What Do We Know & What Are We Missing?

A discussion presenting state-of-the-art evidence and emerging research on return and reintegration, featuring insights from experts across Ukraine and wider Europe.

12:00 – 12:30 | Break

12:30 – 13:00 | Keynote Address by Ave Lauren (OECD)
How long-term policy frameworks can reconcile integration and return by adopting a dual intent approach — supporting Ukrainians’ inclusion and self-reliance abroad while enabling safe and sustainable return when conditions allow.

13:00 – 14:30 | Breakout Sessions
From Findings to Futures: Migration Governance Scenarios.
Interactive discussions examining how research evidence can inform realistic and resilient policy frameworks across three thematic areas:

1) Legal & Policy Coherence – Aligning protection pathways and administrative frameworks
2) Operationalising Dual Intent – Skills, Labour Markets & Economic Reintegration 
3) EU Integration & Institutional Architecture – Embedding return and reintegration within Europe’s long-term governance structures

14:30 – 15:00 | Closing Reflections
Presentation of the final research report and discussing next steps for research-policy collaboration.

15:00 – 16:00 | Networking & Informal Exchange

Join us in The Hague or online for a day of insightful findings, evidence-based dialogue, and collaboration on shaping durable solutions for Ukrainians abroad and in Ukraine.

Please register here: https://sprw.io/stt-KZn8N. 
Your registration will be confirmed by email, and further logistical details and the full programme will follow.

To learn more about the topic of return, you can read this recent article by our research team: Ukrainians Returning Amid Conflict.

For any questions, contact our researcher Yoram Kremers at y.kremers@oporafoundation.nl.