February 2026 – MPG in the Media
12 February 2026 | InfoMigrants | What Spain’s migrant regularization means for Europe
The video explains Spain’s plan to grant legal status and work rights to up to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, a bold regularisation effort that contrasts with tighter migration policies in much of Europe and could influence debates on integration and labour markets across the EU. The move offers hope for inclusion but also raises questions about implementation and political reactions. MPG’s Carmine Conte emphasises the need for safe and legal pathways to Europe, arguing that without them people turn to smugglers and face risk on dangerous routes.
A new EU report by University of Manchester law experts Elaine Dewhurst and Ricardo Buendia, published by the European Commission with support from Migration Policy Group, examines “instructions to discriminate”, highlighting legal gaps across Member States and offering recommendations to strengthen equality law enforcement.
Gaia Vince argues climate change will drive large-scale migration but that mobility has always been a human adaptation strategy. With organised policies, migration could benefit societies. MPG’s Başak Yavçan adds that climate refugees lack legal recognition and urges international cooperation and legal pathways to manage climate-related migration humanely and effectively.
27 February | TRT World Roundtable | The EU plan for ICE-style agents to deport illegal immigrants
MPG’s Carmine Conte joins the debate on the EU’s proposed Common European System for Returns, as rights organisations warn it could normalise mass detention and racial profiling. With far right parties pushing ICE style enforcement, the upcoming vote could redefine migrant rights and Europe’s global standing.
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.