Inside Border Solidarities: Navigating Ethics and Engagement in Research-Activism Along the Balkan Routes

In recent years, grassroots movements and organizations have played a pivotal role in contesting the exclusionary migration policies of the European Union. This paper focuses on the Balkan Routes, where a dynamic network of individuals, collectives, and grassroots organizations actively supports those attempting to reach Europe. Drawing on extensive ethnographic research conducted in Greece, Bulgaria, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as participation in pro-migrant initiatives, this study explores the ethical dimensions, challenges, and opportunities inherent in being both a researcher and an activist in the field. The analysis emphasizes the dual role of the researcher-activist and its impact on both solidarity practices and fieldwork. By examining themes such as informality, vulnerability, and precariousness, it illustrates how involvement in grassroots initiatives can facilitate access to the field, confer legitimacy, and foster reciprocity. These practices offer valuable insights into ethical considerations, challenges, and transformative opportunities, while addressing key methodological issues such as researcher positionality and best practices in participatory research in transit and border areas on Europe's periphery. Ultimately, this contribution deepens the understanding of the intricate relationship between academic inquiry and active engagement in grassroots movements, offering a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted landscape of solidarity practices as they respond to the evolving challenges of migration within the EU's border regime.