The seminar "Parallel Societies: Implications of Post-Soviet Immigration in the Nordic and Baltic Immigration Policy Changes" was held on February 22-23, 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania. Funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, the seminar focused on the complexities and consequences of post-Soviet immigration on the societal and political structures of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Aims and Objectives
Given the outlined developments and dynamics, we argue that there is a need to study how immigrants from post-Soviet countries of the CIS integrate (or segregate from) into the Nordic and Baltic countries. In this regard, the overarching aim of the seminar is to produce new scholarly insights and policy perspectives that deepen our understanding of the mutually transforming relationships between immigration flows, societal change, migrant integration/segregation, and migration governance in the Nordic and Baltic context.
Target groups
Researchers, local authorities, civil society, refugee and immigrant-led organizations, NGOS and other integration actors. The seminar provides an opportunity for experts from different sectors to share their knowledge.
Featured Presentations
- Dr. Larisa Kangaspuro, Centre for Nordic Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland: "Post-Soviet Immigration in the Nordic and Baltic Regions and Its Repercussions for Finnish Immigration Policies."
- Konstantin Fomin, Co-Founder of the Reforum Space Vilnius resource center, Lithuania: "Distinctive Features of Russian Diaspora Assemblies in Different Countries."
- Dr. Markku Kangaspuro, Director of the Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland: "Securitisation of Immigration in Finland."
- Anastasia Burakova, Founder of the "Ark" (Kovcheg) project, Tbilisi, Georgia: "Two Years After February 2022: Changing Migration Trends from Russia and Adaptation in the Baltic and Nordic Countries."
- Dr. Inta Mierina, Director of the Centre for Diaspora and Migration Research, University of Latvia, Riga: "Questioned Loyalties and Mixed Attachments: What Future for the Russian Minority in Latvia?"
- Dr. Anna Sjödal, Postdoctoral Researcher, Minority Research, Faculty of Arts Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi, Turku, Finland: "Minoritization as Integration Resource: The Case of the Russian-Speakers Learning Swedish in Finland."
- Dr. Vasiliy Zharkov, Lecturer, European Humanities University, Vilnius, Lithuania: "The Case of Russian Scholars in Exile as a Part of a Global Issue."
- Kseniya Bulgakova, Graduate of the Master’s Program in Eastern European and Russian Studies, Vilnius University, Lithuania: "Transformation of Professional Identity of Journalists in Russian Independent Media Who Left Russia."
- Ilya Klishin, Co-Founder of the Media Network "Volna" for Russian-Speaking Relocants, Vilnius, Lithuania: "How and Why a Small Media for Relocants Turned into an International Network?"
In the context of our research and analysis of migration policy and interaction between the Nordic and Baltic regions, it is important to highlight the significant role played by Ms. Rytė Baublytė-Savaja, Assistant for Culture and Media at The Embassy of Finland in Lithuania. Her active participation in both formal and informal communication greatly contributes to the deepening of cultural and media relations between Finland and Lithuania.
It is particularly important to emphasize the support of the Finnish Embassy and the personal support of the Ambassador of Finland to Lithuania, Ms. Arja Makkonen. Ambassador Arja Makkonen actively facilitates all scholar and cultural initiatives aimed at enhancing the interaction between Nordic and Baltic regions. Her personal involvement and support play a crucial role in the successful implementation of joint projects and initiatives, which helps to foster a positive image of Finland and strengthen multilateral ties.
Networking and Collaboration
The seminar also featured friendly networking opportunities, including a dinner on the first day and a lunch for presenters on the second day. These events facilitated informal discussions, fostering stronger collaboration and community among participants.
Special Acknowledgment
Special thanks to Konstantin Fomin for his significant contributions to organizing the seminar.
The Multinational Migrants: Ways of Adaptation in the Nordic and Baltic Countries project