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Migration
ICMPD and Migration 2026: A “Window of Opportunity” for Europe
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has published its eagerly awaited “Migration Outlook 2026.” While the number of irregular arrivals in the EU is falling, the organization warns against a false sense of calm. The new Director General, Susanne Raab, calls for the decisive implementation of the EU Asylum Pact.
January 29, 2026
Change of Leadership in Vienna: Susanne Raab Officially Takes Over as Head of the ICMPD
The turn of the year 2026 marks the beginning of a new era at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Former Austrian Federal Minister Susanne Raab officially took office as Director General on January 1. As the first woman to head the organization, she is setting clear priorities for migration policy for the next five years.
January 12, 2026
Austrians Call for a Tougher Stance and Clear Rules for Immigrants
The latest "Integration Barometer" published by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) indicates that skepticism regarding the arrival of refugees is increasing, along with more frequent calls for adaptation to "Austrian culture" and measures for individuals perceived as unwilling to integrate. Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) has now announced a tightening of measures.
December 18, 2025
Tenth Anniversary of the ICMPD Migration Conference Calls for a “New International System”
The 10th Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), took place on October 21 and 22, 2025, marking a decade of intensive dialogue on shaping international migration policy. Over 300 delegates from politics, the private sector, academia, think tanks, international organizations, and civil society gathered to discuss sustainable migration management, the recruitment of skilled workers, and the challenges of implementing EU reforms.
October 29, 2025
Immigration in Austria on the Rise: Vienna Has 40.9% Foreign-Born Residents, Skilled Worker Inflow Remains Slow
According to the latest brochure “Bundesländer” (Federal States) published by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), the number of people born abroad living in Austria has continued to rise. As of January 1, 2025, 22.7 percent of the total population, or 2.085 million people, were born abroad. In the previous year, this figure was 22.3 percent.
October 27, 2025
Industry Concerned About Brain Drain From Austria
A recent study commissioned by the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) highlights an alarming issue, as highly qualified workers are leaving Austria. While immigration figures overall exceed emigration, the composition of migration flows raises concerns.
August 27, 2025
Algeria and ICMPD Strengthen Cooperation in the Mediterranean Region
In a step toward deepening migration cooperation in the Mediterranean region, high-level representatives from Algeria and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) reaffirmed their joint determination at a meeting in Malta. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the first project steering committee of the Algerian-ICMPD cooperation, promises to significantly improve migration management capabilities in the region.
June 30, 2025
Susanne Raab Elected as New Director General of ICMPD
Representatives of the 21 ICMPD member states have elected Susanne Raab, a former ÖVP Integration Minister, in Stockholm to succeed Director General Michael Spindelegger, who is stepping down at the end of the year. This means that after nearly 10 years, the organization in Vienna will have new leadership, albeit Austrian once again.
June 7, 2025
ICMPD and Ireland Intensify Cooperation on Migration Policy
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Ireland have further deepened their cooperation in the field of migration policy. During an official visit, ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger met with Irish Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy to discuss common priorities.
June 3, 2025
Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.
May 13, 2025
Austria Suspends Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers: Interior Minister Karner Informs the EU
The Austrian federal government is temporarily suspending family reunification for asylum seekers. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) presented the plan at a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels and submitted a corresponding letter to the European Commission. The measure, which was laid down in the government agreement between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, is causing heated debate.
March 5, 2025
Brunner Meets Meloni: Talks on Returns and Asylum Centers in Albania
EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) has met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome for an intensive exchange on current migration issues. It was Brunner's first visit to Italy since his appointment as EU Commissioner for Migration.
February 19, 2025
Global Migration in 2025: ICMPD Identifies Challenges and Strategies
Global migration in 2025 will be characterized by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and new political dynamics. The International Migration Outlook 2025 published by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) identifies key issues that will shape global migration and states' responses to it.
February 16, 2025
Austria’s Population Approaches 9.2 Million, Growth Slows in 2024
Austria's population continues to grow, but at a noticeably slower pace than in recent years. While Vienna remains the primary driver of population growth, with the highest increase among all federal states, other regions like Burgenland experienced slight declines. The data also reveals a growing proportion of foreign nationals, now accounting for over 20% of Austria’s population.
February 11, 2025
Minister and Chancellor Schallenberg Met with his Luxembourgian Counterpart
Austria and Luxembourg have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a rule-based international order. This was the central theme of a recent bilateral meeting between Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel in Vienna. The discussions underscored the importance of diplomatic dialogue and international cooperation in addressing pressing global issues.
February 6, 2025
Talks Between Austria and the Taliban on Deportations to Afghanistan
The Austrian Ministry of the Interior has held talks at the official level with representatives of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to explore the possibility of returning rejected asylum seekers. A delegation consisting of two high-ranking officials from the ministry was in the Afghan capital Kabul for this purpose.
January 24, 2025
Austria's Schallenberg Calls for New EU Course in Syria and Criticizes Israeli Occupation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is calling for a more pragmatic approach from European foreign policy in dealing with Syria and is positioning himself on the side of international law with his criticism of Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights. His demands have met with mixed reactions within the EU, but also raise fundamental questions about Europe's role in the region. Whether this course will endure remains uncertain given Austria's often cautious foreign policy.
December 18, 2024
Austria's Nehammer and Britain's Sunak On Asylum Procedures and Migration
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has received British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for an official visit to Vienna. The talks between the two Conservative heads of government focused on migration and geopolitical challenges. In a joint press statement, Nehammer and Sunak emphasized their agreement on the issue of asylum procedures in safe third countries and highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships to combat illegal migration and save lives.
May 21, 2024
Greece Takes Over ICMPD Chairmanship from Türkiye: Reorientation of Migration Partnerships
At a ceremony in Brussels, the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) was handed over from Türkiye to Greece. Under the motto "A holistic approach to balanced migration partnerships", high-level representatives came together to discuss the future direction of migration policy.
February 20, 2024
Austrian President Van der Bellen Visits Pioneering Integration Project "NACHBARINNEN in Vienna"
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of integration and empowerment during his visit to the sewing workshop of the "NACHBARINNEN in Wien" association. The association, known for its successful work with migrant women, relies on the principle of self-empowerment and role models from their own culture to bring women and families with a migration background out of isolation.
February 7, 2024
Herbert Kickl and the FPÖ: Propagating "Fortress Austria"
Herbert Kickl, the chairman of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), is already in an election campaign mood and reiterated his critical stance on migration and asylum policy in Austria and Europe at a press conference. In clear terms, he called for an "asylum stop" and the implementation of a "Fortress Austria". His rhetoric was aimed at a strict demarcation policy and an election victory.
November 15, 2023
Austria and Somalia Intensify Cooperation on Migration and Security in the Horn of Africa
Somalia's Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse arrived in Vienna for working talks with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. This visit marked an intensified effort by Austria to develop relations with African states. The talks focused on bilateral relations, particularly concerning illegal migration, the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers, and the security situation in the Horn of Africa.
June 22, 2023
European Ministers of Serbia and Austria Emphasize the Importance of Relations
During her working visit to Belgrade, Austrian Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler met with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and her ministerial colleague Tanja Miščević.
May 22, 2023
Austria Calls for "European Year Against Hate" for 2024
Austria is demanding a "European Year against Hate" in 2024, as stated by State Secretary Claudia Plakolm. This demand was made during the meeting of the Council of Youth Ministers in Brussels.
May 22, 2023
Vienna Will Have a Population of Two Million People Soon
Vienna will reach a population of two million people sooner than expected. This was predicted to happen by the year 2027 however, a new wave of migration is boosting the population number.
April 11, 2023
Romanian Delegation Searching for a Solution in Vienna
A Romanian delegation has arrived in Vienna to search for the solution for Austria’s Schengen Veto Block. Part of the delegation was also Romania’s ex Foreign Minister Titus Corlățean.
February 27, 2023
The Mayor of Vienna Welcomed the Mayor of Morocco’s Capital
The Mayor of the City of Vienna Michael Ludwig received his counterpart from Morocco Asmaa Rhlalou, who has been the Mayor of Rabat since 2021. Also today, Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner visited Morocco.
February 27, 2023
Minister Edtstadler Wants to Maintain Unity in the European Union
Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler said that the European Union must maintain unity despite the economy and the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
February 24, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Discussed Migration Issues With the Spanish Prime Minister in Vienna
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Vienna. He mentioned the Spanish expertise in terms of external border control. On the same day, he also met with the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo.
February 20, 2023
Finnish Prime Minister Marin Visited Vienna
The Finnish head of government Sanna Marin visited Vienna for the first time for working talks and was received by Chancellor Karl Nehammer and President Alexander Van der Bellen. Finland and Austria share enough interests, but not the status of neutrality.
February 20, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Threatens to Block Summit Declaration Because of Migration Issues
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has threatens to block a summit declaration of all EU heads of state. The reason for this is that the Chancellor is opinionated that the EU does not put enough work into the issue of migration.
February 8, 2023
Minister Edtstadler Met With Hungarian Minister Varga in Vienna
Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has met with the Hungarian Minister of Justice Judit Varga in Vienna where they talked about current challenges such as illegal immigration and the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
January 31, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Requests Two Bio. Euros for Bulgaria’s Border Protection
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer asked the EU Commission for two Bio. Euros to support Bulgaria’s border control. Nehammer and the Minister of Interior Gerhard Karner observed the situation this week at the Bulgarian-Turkish border.
January 24, 2023
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani Visits Vienna
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani came to Vienna for a meeting with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The visit of Tajani asked for the opportunity to consolidate cooperation and talks with Vienna on the main bilateral issues (especially in the fields of economy, energy and infrastructure), European and international, starting with the migration issue.
December 13, 2022
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis Visits Vienna
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis came to Vienna for a visit, meeting his counterpart in Austria, Alexander Schallenberg. In addition, Landsbergis met with IAEA Chief Rafael Mariano Grossi and OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid. The exchanges focused on the Russian war in Ukraine, in particular European support efforts against the backdrop of the approaching winter, as well as the prosecution of war crimes. In addition, the two foreign ministers discussed current developments in Iran and increasing migration pressure.
December 11, 2022
Sweden Received Austria's Minister for Europe Edtstadler
Austria's Minister for Europe Karoline Edtstadler traveled to the Swedish capital Stockholm on a working visit and met with her Swedish counterpart Jessika Roswall for talks on the country's EU presidency next year. The Austrian minister also met with Nobel Prize winner in physics Anton Zeilinger to kick off "Nobel Week".
December 6, 2022
Austria Strengthens Cooperation with Serbia and Hungary Against Illegal Migration
Austria, Hungary and Serbia once again consulted on the topic of migration. In the Serbian capital Belgrade, Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. As a result of Serbia's visa-free policy, Hungary and Austria are exerting pressure on it.
November 21, 2022
Weekly Briefing: News From Austria's Diplomacy
The Find out more about this week's developments. Austria is making an effort to combat the climate crisis. Austria's foreign policy awards prizes in the arts, culture and science. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
November 17, 2022
Austrian-Hungarian Cooperation on the EU External Border
AUTCON, the Austrian police contingent in the border region of Hungary with Serbia, supports the Hungarian police with 70 police officers in the fight against cross-border crime. Read more about the Austrian-Hungarian Cooperation on the EU External Border!
November 15, 2022
Austrians Largely Rate Coexistence with Ukrainian Displaced Persons as Positive
Since the start of the Ukraine war in February, around 85,000 Ukrainian displaced persons have been registered in Austria. According to the Austrian Integration Fund, the integration barometer on the coexistence of people with and without a migration background explains that 64 percent see the coexistence of Austrians and Ukrainians as positive and, as a survey on the Ukraine war, provides information on attitudes and moods toward the integration of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria.
November 6, 2022
Austria at Western Balkans Conference in Berlin
Austrian Federal Minister Susanne Raab represented Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Western Balkans Conference in Berlin, as the Austrian Foreign Minister had to cancel his participation due to a positive Corona test. Minister Raab declared at the Western Balkans Conference "that we as the EU must finally get going when it comes to the integration of the six states of the Western Balkans."
November 4, 2022
President of Hungary Katalin Novák Visits Austria
The Hungarian President, Katalin Novák, is the first head of state to visit the re-elected President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. The conversation between the two heads of state focused on the fight against illegal migration, climate change and the war in Ukraine.
October 27, 2022
Ministry of the Interior and Israeli Embassy Hold Symposium on Countering Terrorism
At a recent event in Vienna, the focus was on preventing and combating terrorism. "Current challenges in the fight against terrorism - What Austria can learn from it" was organised by the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, the Israeli Embassy and the University of Continuing Education Krems.
October 25, 2022
Western Balkans Summit in Berlin: "Need Unity in Tackling Illegal Migration"
Austria has been trying to curb illegal migration and smuggling of migrants for a long time. At this year's so-called "Berlin Process", the situation in the Wet Balkans was discussed, especially with regard to the issue of migration, where Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner was also present.
October 21, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Former Austrian Chancellor Kurz Incriminated
The Find out more about this week's developments. Former ÖBAG head Thomas Schmid incriminates former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz before public prosecutors for corruption. Austria forges new partnerships with other states against illegal migration. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
October 20, 2022
New UN Human Rights Chief on his First Day in Office: "Human Rights are Humanity's Common Language"
As of today, the Austrian Volker Türk is in office as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Already experienced, Türk has dedicated his life to championing human rights and will act as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as of today.
October 17, 2022
German and Austrian Interior Ministers Discuss Migration Issues
The German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and her Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner recently discussed the current migration issue on the sidelines of the EU Council of Interior Ministers. Karner insisted on a joint approach. Furthermore, the two discussed the preparations for the upcoming "Berlin Process".
October 17, 2022
International Conference in Vienna Draws Attention to Rising Numbers of Asylum Seekers
An international conference on migration is taking place in Vienna this week. The conference was attended, among others, by the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Margaritas Schinas, as well as the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Moldova and his counterpart from Albania.
October 11, 2022
Austria and Switzerland Agreed On Action Plan Against Migration
Austria and Switzerland want to cooperate even more closely in the fight against irregular migration. During a visit by Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to his Swiss counterpart Karin Keller-Sutter in Switzerland, a joint action plan was agreed upon. At the common border, cooperation is to be intensified in priority actions. In addition, pressure is to be exerted on Balkan countries such as Serbia to restrict the current visa rules.
September 28, 2022
Austrian Chancellor at UN General Assembly: End War at the Negotiating Table as Soon as Possible
The UN General Assembly in New York gathered a large number of international politicians to debate the current problems in the world. The Austrian President Van der Bellen, the Austrian Chancellor Nehammer and Alexander Schallenber, Austria's Foreign Minister, were also present.
September 22, 2022
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