Migration Policy

ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger: Europe Ten Years After the Refuge Crisis

Ten years after the so-called “refugee crisis” of 2015, Europe is taking stock of its migration policy. While enormous progress has been made in addressing the challenges, experts such as Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), warn that the region continues to face growing complexities and political tensions.

July 14, 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

Austrian Chancellor Stocker and Austrian EU Commissioner Brunner Discuss New EU Migration Policy

Chancellor Christian Stocker received EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner for a meeting at the Federal Chancellery. The meeting focused on measures to combat irregular migration and the reform of the European asylum system. Brunner recently presented a new proposal for an EU Return Regulation, which provides for more efficient deportations and establishing return centers outside the EU. Austria and Stocker have signaled their support for this initiative to their party colleague and are pushing for its swift implementation.

March 18, 2025

Sweden Takes Over Chairmanship of ICMPD: New Impetus for European Migration Policy

The Kingdom of Sweden has officially taken over the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for the year 2025. The handover ceremony occurred at the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels, where Migration Minister Johan Forssell took over from Greece. Sweden will play a central role in shaping European migration policy by assuming the presidency.

March 12, 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

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

Susanne Raab: Austria's Candidate for the Head of the ICMPD

The Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration, and Media, Susanne Raab, has officially announced her candidacy as Director General of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). After the end of the current government, Raab intends to continue her career at the international level. The election for the new head of the ICMPD will take place in spring 2025 by the representatives of the 21 member states.

January 12, 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

Vienna's MA 35: Progress at the Dreaded Office, but Challenges Remain

Vienna's MA 35, responsible for immigration and citizenship, has long been regarded as a symbol of inefficient administration and endless waiting times. The City of Vienna wants to counteract this image with a comprehensive reform process. Initial successes have been achieved, but not all problems have been solved.

November 13, 2024

New EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner Approved by EU Parliament

The European Parliament has officially confirmed Magnus Brunner, the Austrian Minister of Finance (ÖVP), as the new EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration. During the hearings, Brunner presented his vision for the migration portfolio and caused a stir with his support for the full inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area. With this approach, Brunner departs from the previous ÖVP position and sends a clear signal for increased European cooperation in migration policy.

November 6, 2024

Intense Debates and Optimistic Solutions at the Vienna Migration Conference 2024

The annual Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), took place at Palais Liechtenstein and brought together more than 300 leading representatives from politics, academia, business, and civil society to debate current and future challenges in migration policy.

November 4, 2024

Magnus Brunner Pleads for Schengen Accession of Bulgaria and Romania

In a published document, the designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, has spoken out clearly in favor of Bulgaria and Romania's full admission to the Schengen area. Brunner emphasized that both countries meet all the necessary conditions for accession and called for the EU Council to abolish the remaining border controls.

October 24, 2024

Magnus Brunner Becomes EU Migration Commissioner: A Challenge for the ÖVP and Europe

From the world of finance to migration – Austria's outgoing Finance Minister Magnus Brunner is taking on one of the toughest jobs in the European Union: EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs. This decision has sparked both surprise and skepticism, especially within Austrian politics and the media.

September 19, 2024

Salzburg Forum Ministerial Conference 2024: ICMPD at the Center of Efforts against Migration and Human Trafficking

The ministerial conference of the "Forum Salzburg" in Laxenburg took place under the leadership of the Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner. It attracted high-ranking representatives from the Forum's member states as well as the EU Commission and various regional and EU agencies. Discussions focused on topics such as asylum and migration, the fight against people smuggling, and measures against extremism and terrorism.

July 2, 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

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 Emphasizes Migration Subject in the EU

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the EU summit has called for more financing for EU border protection. He also called for more control on irregular migration at EU level.

February 9, 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

Minister Edtstadler Pushes for Registration of Migrants in Hungary

Austrian Minister of Europe Karoline Edtstadler pushes for the initial registration of migrants in Hungary before they enter Austria. This is seen as a preemptive measure against the rising numbers of illegal migrants in Austria.

December 20, 2022