To what extent and how do migration-related city networks contribute to policy learning in European cities?

This article explores the role of city networks in fostering policy learning among European cities, with a particular focus on migration-related policies. As cities face growing challenges in managing migration and take on a more prominent role in addressing these issues, they are increasingly turning to transnational city networks (CNs) for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. These networks provide opportunities for policy actors to acquire and exchange policy-related knowledge, which can lead to adjustments in organisational strategies and/or policy changes, in a process known as policy learning. However, despite considerable research on policy learning at national and regional levels, empirical studies on policy learning at the local level, especially in migration governance, remain limited. This study focuses on Eurocities, the largest European city network doing work on migration. The research aims to assess the extent to which Eurocities fosters policy learning among its members and the mechanisms through which this learning occurs. Using mixed methods—including desk research, interviews, participant observation, and a survey with participants of Eurocities’ Working Group on Migration and Integration (WGM&I)—the study analyses the structures of interaction, levels of engagement, and how knowledge is transferred to local contexts. The study hypothesises that cities more actively involved in Eurocities’ activities will experience stronger policy learning effects locally, reflected in their migration policies. This research contributes to bridging the gap between policy learning and local migration governance literature, providing insights into the impact of transnational networking on local policymaking.