MIGRATION POLICY GROUP

Their core work

Migration Policy Group is a Brussels-based policy research organization specializing in immigrant integration, asylum policy, and migration governance across Europe. They produce comparative research and policy analysis that informs how governments — particularly at local and regional levels — design and implement integration strategies. Their work bridges academic migration research with actionable policy recommendations, with a particular strength in studying how small and medium-sized towns handle migrant integration challenges.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

MPG's early H2020 work (2018-2020) concentrated on broad migration research infrastructure — building platforms and comparative frameworks through ReSOMA and CROSS-MIGRATION, essentially mapping the European migration research landscape. From 2021 onward, their focus sharpened significantly toward local-level integration, community cohesion, and participatory governance in smaller towns and rural areas (Whole-COMM, SPRING). This represents a clear shift from macro-level research coordination to ground-level, community-centered integration practice.

MPG is moving toward hands-on, place-based integration research in underserved areas (small towns, rural communities), making them increasingly relevant for projects addressing demographic change outside major cities.

How they like to work

MPG operates exclusively as a consortium partner — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which suggests they contribute specialized policy expertise rather than project management capacity. With 57 unique partners across 20 countries, they are well-networked and comfortable working in large, diverse consortia. Their consistent participant role across both CSA and RIA funding schemes indicates they are a trusted expert contributor that coordinators seek out for migration policy knowledge.

MPG has built a broad European network of 57 unique consortium partners spanning 20 countries, reflecting the inherently cross-border nature of migration research. Their Brussels base positions them at the heart of EU policy-making, giving them access to both academic and institutional networks.

What sets them apart

MPG sits at the intersection of migration research and policy action — they are not a pure academic institution, nor a government body, but an independent policy group that translates research findings into implementable integration strategies. Their recent pivot toward small towns and rural areas fills a genuine gap, as most migration research focuses on large urban centers. For consortium builders, MPG brings both the policy analysis muscle and the Brussels proximity that strengthens a proposal's policy relevance.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ReSOMA
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 320,620) — built a dedicated research-policy platform connecting migration researchers with policymakers across Europe.
• Whole-COMM
  Addresses an underexplored niche — migrant integration in small towns and rural areas — with a distinctive whole-of-community and multilevel governance approach.
• SPRING
  Focuses on sustainable and participatory integration practices, representing MPG's shift toward actionable, community-driven policy design.