ICMPD aims to facilitate dialogue between relevant stakeholders, drawing on knowledge, evidence, and experience to bridge theory and practice.
Michael Spindelegger
Director General
Founded in 1993 with headquarters in Vienna and liaison office in Brussels, ICMPD holds UN observer status and cooperates with more than 700 partners, including Member States, EU institutions, UN agencies, and several countries. ICMPD receives contributions from its Member States and bilateral donors, the European Commission, UN partners, and other multilateral institutions.
Approach
ICMPD takes a holistic, regional approach to migration, linking policy and research, dialogue, and capacity development. Together, these efforts feed into ICMPD's overarching pillars of understanding, connecting, and empowering partners.
Mandate
The Agreement on the Establishment and Functioning of ICMPD mentions as a priority goal of the Member States the development and implementation of long-term strategies to cope with the migration phenomenon. Such strategies aim at facilitating early warning, combating root causes, harmonising entry control measures and coordinating alien, asylum and refugee policies.
The objectives of the agreement are to promote international cooperation in the area of migration policies, as well as relevant research in these areas. To this end, ICMPD shall analyse current and potential migratory flows to European receiving countries follow and examine the situation in the major countries of origin of migrants and develop measures for the improved recognition and control of migratory movements.
The tasks of the organisation are regularly analysed and adjusted by the Steering Group in line with the evolving policy environment and migratory trends. Relevant decisions are reflected in strategy documents approved by the Steering Group and yearly work programmes and budgets.
Where ICMPD is located
ICMPD is a European organisation that deals with the global phenomenon of migration. Europe is more than a geographic location – it embraces principles and values that guide ICMPD's work. European migration governance is built upon strong rule of law principles and the effective protection of human and fundamental rights with a long-standing humanitarian tradition. It stands for multilateralism and a partnership approach.
ICMPD's geographic priorities are set in accordance with the strategic and operational objectives of its Member States and partners. Moreover, ICMPD applies the principles of partnership on an equal footing with a forward-looking orientation and a balancing of interests.
