June 2026 – MIPEX in use
Our Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) is a unique tool measuring integration policies in 56 countries across 8 policy areas. It provides up-to-date, comprehensive research data and analysis on which to base policies, proposals for change and projects. Besides data on national integration policies, MPG also gather data on policies at the regional level through Regin (MIPEX-R), and at the local level via Whole-COMM (MIPEX-L).
Below are some of the examples of how MIPEX was used in June 2026.
This study investigates adolescent migrants’ integration experiences in six EU countries: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland and Spain, drawing on data from students participating in the IMMERSE project. Using multivariate statistical analysis, the study examines school belonging, social support, language competences, intercultural friendships and well-being, identifying four integration profiles: competent but isolated, vulnerable learners, socially connected, and resilient multiculturalists. The study finds a strong association between integration profile and the policies of host countries, confirming this also with the MIPEX scores on related indicators. The study, written by Shirley Martin, Elena Rodrígues-Ventosa Herrera, Mercedes Fernandez and Deirdre Horgan, is published in the International Journal of Inclusive Education.
This article, written by Marlene Hilgenstock and Antonia C. May and published in the Ethnic and Racial Studies journal, notes that identifying with the receiving society is a crucial step in migrants’ integration. However, this is hampered by perceptions of discrimination. The study argues that inclusive integration policies can moderate the relationship between perceptions of discrimination and identification with the receiving society among immigrants and children of immigrants. Combining individual-level data from the European Social Survey (ESS) with MIPEX scores for 20 countries, the study finds that the negative effects of discrimination perceptions on feelings of belonging among these two groups are substantially reduced in countries with more inclusive integration policies.
The Economic Returns to Citizenship: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Part of the Rockwool Foundation Berlin’s Discussion Paper Series, this paper by Jens Hainmueller and David Laitin provides a quantitative meta-analysis of citizenship effects on migrant earnings, synthesizing 63 preferred estimates from 31 studies. MIPEX scores for access to nationality are used to measure citizenship regimes.
This master’s thesis aims to investigate whether a more integration-friendly policy can influence the structural integration of foreign-born people by examining their occupational status, and social integration, as well as their perceived belonging to the host country. To study variations in integration policy, MIPEX is used. To further understand and explain differences between foreign-born and native-born people, the study uses theories of human capital, ethnic borders and discrimination. The study also examines whether discrimination has an intermediate effect on the relationship.
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.