The year 2024 was another of key milestones for ICMPD. Amidst elections dominated by migration in key regions, developments in the migration discourse including returns, conflicts, and the continuing challenges for both Europe and the migratory routes, ICMPD’s efforts remained on-course as relevant and as necessary.
In an in-depth interview featured in this Annual Report, Director General Michael Spindelegger noted ICMPD’s strategic pairing of its thematic focus in the duality of addressing irregular migration in the EU, while tackling the labour shortage in the region. With 2024’s key global events and shifting geopolitical relations, Mr Spindelegger offers some key reflections on ICMPD’s role in the growing importance of, and need for, improved migration governance; including:
- Supporting Member States’ national implementation plans for the upcoming implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum;
- Welcoming Ireland as newest Member State; stronger regional presence via the addition of the Western Balkans regional office and broadening the Pan-Africa region; and launch of the Partnership Platform for cooperation on mobility and migration governance beyond the EU;
- ‘Return follows reconstruction’: responding to the political developments in various regions vis-à-vis the policy and media narratives on ‘return’ in Brussels; and
- Remaining agile to the changing landscape in trans-national crimes, through strengthening ICMPD’s work in integrated border management, human rights, and anti-trafficking;
Migration is a constant challenge, a lingering issue that must be treated in a politically sensitive and strategically planned manner. Many governments are under pressure to balance their humanitarian obligations and national interests. But there are always new developments: new routes emerge, new trends, and obviously new conflicts and catastrophes. When this happens, suddenly new countries become the centre of discussion. But all the same, the others must always be ready to respond.says Mr Spindelegger
The Annual Report thus features not only a rich mosaic of the successes of the past year; it also puts spotlights how these events of 2024 continue to shape the years ahead. Equally important, Mr Spindelegger points to optimistic foresights and strategic opportunities for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Through the unique, nuanced insights from ICMPD’s regional and thematic experts, this report shows how the organisation is growing institutionally within, and across its work both at the policy and knowledge level, as well as through projects on the ground:
- With the ensuing war in Ukraine, ICMPD and host governments are stepping up the support and response for the displaced through the Ukrainian Consultation Centres (UCCs);
- And keeping with the changing demographics in Europe, ICMPD’s continued thrust in labour migration, talent attraction, and skills mobility to address labour shortage in the region.
- Among flagship projects, the Migrant Resource Centres (MRC) also take the spotlight in this Report – as one of ICMPD’s innovative approaches to migration.
Since opening in 2016, the MRCs in the Silk Route and Central Asia regions have come a long way in their distinct access and outreach to communities. Across their various functions, the 12 Centres have reached 140 million (potential or returning) migrants through awareness and consultation support; using a 360o approach in covering migration governance issues.
A number of "Multi-Purpose MRCs" could be created along the most important migration routes, to provide advice to people considering to migrate and also give European companies the opportunity to find potential employees and eventually even train them [from] there. Europe lacks people with a wide range of skills; and legal migration could help close this gap.Mr Spindelegger says of the MRCs
With all these milestones and thrusts for further advancement, landmark projects and innovation, ICMPD has not only strengthened its tools and resources as an institution. Its long expertise, strong experience, and unique perspectives in policy, research, capacity development, projects, and dialogues have established its position in improving migration governance for Europe and across other regions.
Beyond delivering impactful results to partners and communities, this report encapsulates how ICMPD’s footprint remains relevant, necessary, and sustainable.