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About MPG

The Migration Policy Group is an independent Brussels-based think-and-do tank. We conduct evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.

Mission

MPG is an independent non-profit organisation that uses the strength of its innovative research and networks to advance evidence-based migration, integration and anti-discrimination policies. We support creating diverse societies that invest in their future.

MPG employs a multi-dimensional methodology to connect people and provide facts, comparative analysis, training, pilot projects and advice to enable stakeholders to improve legislation, policies and practices.

We articulate this mission through four primary activities:

    • Gathering, analysing and sharing information
    • Creating opportunities for dialogue and mutual learning
    • Engaging stakeholders in policy debate
    • Establishing, inspiring and managing expert networks

Vision

Our vision is a world where everyone fully participates and contributes to an inclusive society and public life. People of all backgrounds must have and should know and use their rights to equal treatment, equal opportunities and safe and orderly migration.

Values

  • Commitment to equal opportunities and non-discrimination
  • Respect for rule of law
  • Recognition of the benefits and challenges of diversity
  • Promotion of inclusive democracy and policymaking
  • Learning from shared experiences and cooperation across borders and sectors
  • Using rigorous independent analysis as the basis for debate and innovation
  • Valuing partnerships as the key to achieving our vision

Activities

The Migration Policy Group is committed to achieving lasting progress towards more open and inclusive societies. Since MPG’s establishment in 1995, we have played a pivotal role in shaping European laws and policies. Many original MPG initiatives have become established features of the European Union’s legal and policy landscape.

Read our full history

Activities reports

People

MPG’s staff is multi-disciplinary, multi-lingual and of different national and ethnic origin. Most of our international team is based at our office in Brussels.

Isabelle Chopin

Director

Alexander Wolffhardt

Deputy Director

Dr. Başak Yavçan

Head of Research
Paul Lira

Paul Lira

Financial Manager
Juris Lavrikovs, Communications Manager

Juris Lavrikovs

Communications Manager
Portrait of Pascale Fuirnelle

Pascale Furnelle

Office Manager
Gergana Yovova, MPG

Gergana Yovova

Project Manager
Catharina Germaine

Catharina Germaine

Anti-Discrimination Legal Policy Analyst
Dr. Carmine Conte, Legal Policy Analys

Carmine Conte

Senior Legal Policy Analyst
Olivia Long, Managing Editor

Olivia Long

Managing Editor
Dr. Sinem Yilmaz

Sinem Yilmaz

Integration Policy Analyst

Board of directors

MPG’s Board members are selected to ensure a diversity of expertise and ethnic and national origin.

Roeland Vereecken

Roeland Vereecken is the Chair of MPG's Board of directors. He is a corporate finance and M&A professional at Vandelanotte since October 2015.

Sarah Sommer

Sarah Sommer is Senior Consultant for strategy and organisational development advising public institutions and NGOs. Previously, she has been Director of the European Programme for Integration and Migration in Brussels.

Krisztina Tora

Krisztina Tora is a change leader and impact investment expert. She builds new institutions around the world to drive more capital towards the public good.

Costanza Hermanin

Costanza Hermanin is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Political Science and International Affairs of John Cabot University in Rome. She has been teaching for over ten years in various universities across Europe.

Alain Deneef

Alain Deneef is a Brussels-born entrepreneur and coalition builder. After a career at the helm of large corporations, he is now a consultant in urban and European affairs.

Naima Charkaoui

Naima Charkaoui studied political science at Ghent University (Belgium). She has been working on human rights, inequality and racism since 2001.
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