In this interview, we discuss the book European Citizenship and Identity Outside of the European Union with the author, Dr Agnieszka Weinar. Weinar reveals her motivation and broader research behind the book and talks about the colonial heritage of EU emigration policy, the factors for enduring ties between the place of origin and the diaspora and how EU and national diaspora policies could reinforce but also be obstacles towards each other. Ultimately, the author explains her strong plea for a more holistic approach to EU diaspora engagement. The interview was held in July 2023, as an email and video-call conversation.