The Migration Policy Group is an independent non-profit European organisation dedicated to strategic thinking and acting on equality and mobility. The two areas are related and inextricably linked.

Mobility refers on the one hand to geographic mobility and the international movement of people leading to migration, settlement and integration, and on the other hand to social mobility that is hampered by discrimination and is promoted by equal opportunities.

Their work is organised into three inter-related programmes with shared core concepts:

International movement of persons

Offering opportunities for people to cross borders in dignity and safety and build up a life matching their skills and aspirations

Diversity and Integration

Creating a level playing field and inclusive forms of active citizenship so that all people, regardless of their migration background, can contribute to the well-being of a diverse society

Anti-discrimination and Equality

Designing strategies to combat discrimination on all grounds, particularly focusing on nationality, ethnicity, race and religion, and to promote equality for all

As a think and do-tank, MPG:

• -Collects and disseminates information and provides expert analysis
• -Activates organisations, builds capacity and manages European networks
• -Formulates policy recommendations

Vision

MPG wants to see open and inclusive societies in which all members – those with and without an immigrant background – have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities and a commitment to contribute to the economic, social, cultural and civic life of their diverse societies.

Mission

MPG’s mission is to contribute to lasting and positive change resulting in open and inclusive societies by stimulating well-informed European debate and action on migration, equality and diversity, and enhancing European co-operation between and amongst governmental agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector.

They articulate this mission through four primary activities focused on harnessing the advantages of migration, equality and diversity and responding effectively to their challenges:

1. Gathering, analysing and sharing information

2. Creating opportunities for dialogue and mutual learning

3. Mobilising and engaging stakeholders in policy debates

4. Establishing, inspiring and managing expert networks

Values

Commitment to the cause: each member of the MPG team holds both a professional and personal commitment to the issues of migration, equality and diversity.

• -Social entrepreneurship: they value their agility in creating innovative projects that further their vision
• -Partnerships: they value partnerships recognising that they are key to the achievement of their vision
• -Rigorous analysis: they pursue their vision through carefully researched and argued reports, strategic tools and recommendations.
• -Independence: they seek and maintain relationships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensure diversified sources of income and implement projects and programmes in accordance with their vision and values.

History:

As a leading independent non-profit think tank, the Migration Policy Group is committed to achieving lasting progress towards a more open and inclusive European society.

They pursue this mission through quality independent research, expert policy analysis, network building, advocacy, benchmarking and training.

Since their establishment in 1995, they have played a pivotal role in shaping European migration, integration and anti-discrimination policies and law – many original MPG initiatives have become established features of the European Union’s legal and policy landscape.

They have consistently come up with innovative solutions based on sound research and extensive consultations. Examples range from their groundbreaking campaign for EU-wide anti-discrimination laws to their imaginative programmes and reports on migrant integration.

Working with partner organisations throughout Europe and beyond, they maintain durable relationships with activists and watchdogs, researchers, academics, opinion formers and policymakers.

Support:

MPG receives support from a variety of organisations and sponsors:

• -Private foundations, such as The Atlantic Philanthropies and the Open Society Foundation.
• -European institutions like the European Commission (Directorate General for Home Affairs, Directorate General for Justice, Directorate General for Education and Culture)
• -Inter-governmental agencies such as the Council of Europe, the International Organisation for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.