"Forced to Flee: The Migration of Russian Environmentalists and Europe’s Response"
"Forced to Flee: The Migration of Russian Environmentalists and Europe’s Response"
Thursday, 10 July 2025: 00:30
Location: SJES030 (Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences (JES))
Oral Presentation
Following the intensification of repressions by the Russian regime after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the migration of environmental activists and professionals has significantly increased. This paper examines how relocation to Europe has transformed the professional activities of environmentalists in exile compared to their work in Russia. Has migration to Europe marked a critical juncture for these individuals, or have they been able to maintain continuity in their work?
This study analyzes how the political, economic, and social landscapes of host countries shape the conditions for environmental activism. The research, conducted between 2022 and 2024, is based on participant observation and biographical interviews (58 in total: Finland (N=7), Germany (N=11), France (N=7), the UK (N=11), Serbia (N=9), and Montenegro (N=19)).
Findings reveal that many environmentalists integrated into transnational networks continue to address global issues despite relocation. However, their migration destinations are often chosen strategically. For instance, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) relocated its Global Forest Program to Serbia in 2021, and Greenpeace moved its GIS hub to Amsterdam.
The study shows that the UK, Germany, France, and Finland offer better conditions for environmentalists seeking employment and long-term settlement while Germany and France became safe havens for at-risk activists, providing humanitarian visas and support structures. In contrast, Serbia and Montenegro present more challenges, with environmentalists often facing uncertainty and actively seeking better opportunities.
The study highlights that in regions with less developed environmental infrastructure, such as Serbia and Montenegro, migrants often engage in lifestyle activism, including clean-ups, waste separation, and recycling. Meanwhile, in countries like Germany, Finland, and France, environmentalists tend to join established professional NGOs.
Ultimately, this research illuminates the complexities of environmentalists' migration, the persistence and adaptation of their work, and the challenges and opportunities they navigate in diverse host-country environments.
This study analyzes how the political, economic, and social landscapes of host countries shape the conditions for environmental activism. The research, conducted between 2022 and 2024, is based on participant observation and biographical interviews (58 in total: Finland (N=7), Germany (N=11), France (N=7), the UK (N=11), Serbia (N=9), and Montenegro (N=19)).
Findings reveal that many environmentalists integrated into transnational networks continue to address global issues despite relocation. However, their migration destinations are often chosen strategically. For instance, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) relocated its Global Forest Program to Serbia in 2021, and Greenpeace moved its GIS hub to Amsterdam.
The study shows that the UK, Germany, France, and Finland offer better conditions for environmentalists seeking employment and long-term settlement while Germany and France became safe havens for at-risk activists, providing humanitarian visas and support structures. In contrast, Serbia and Montenegro present more challenges, with environmentalists often facing uncertainty and actively seeking better opportunities.
The study highlights that in regions with less developed environmental infrastructure, such as Serbia and Montenegro, migrants often engage in lifestyle activism, including clean-ups, waste separation, and recycling. Meanwhile, in countries like Germany, Finland, and France, environmentalists tend to join established professional NGOs.
Ultimately, this research illuminates the complexities of environmentalists' migration, the persistence and adaptation of their work, and the challenges and opportunities they navigate in diverse host-country environments.