Commemorating 30 years of the Migration Policy Group
By Robert Rustem, Senior Project and Outreach Officer
European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
It is with great pride and sincere appreciation that I join in celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the Migration Policy Group. This landmark is more than a testament to MPG’s enduring presence: it is a powerful recognition of its unwavering commitment to evidence-based policymaking and to fostering inclusive societies across Europe and beyond.
Throughout its thirty-year journey, MPG has built a legacy of rigorous research, insightful advocacy, and meaningful engagement across policy and civil society. It has become a trusted and indispensable actor within the research and policy communities, consistently contributing nuanced perspectives and practical tools to shape fair and effective migration and anti-discrimination policies.
The collaboration between MPG and the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), which goes back to the beginning of the 1990s, stands out as particularly valuable. We share a vision rooted in human rights, equality, and systemic change. This collaboration has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of those affected by racism and in driving forward robust responses to structural and institutional discrimination.
In October 2024, I had the pleasure of participating in MPG’s seminar on Structural and Institutional Racism in Brussels. This important event brought together experts and practitioners to explore the deeply rooted nature of racism in our societies. I was honored to present ECRI’s work on this critical topic, outlining our longstanding efforts to address systemic inequalities, our country-by-country monitoring, and our targeted recommendations to dismantle institutional racism across sectors such as education, policing, healthcare, and housing.
At the heart of the seminar were MPG’s evidence-based policy recommendations. These called for the legal recognition of structural racism, stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, improved equality data collection, an end to racial profiling, and better access to justice for racialised groups. They also emphasised the need for inclusive policymaking, ensuring that racialised communities are meaningfully involved in shaping anti-racism measures at both national and EU levels.
As we reflect on this anniversary, we also look ahead to the urgent challenges that remain. Structural racism persists in many forms – subtle and overt – and tackling it requires a shared and sustained commitment. The future calls for even stronger partnerships, more courageous policies, and a renewed dedication to ensuring that our institutions serve all people equally.
The success of the Migration Policy Group has always rested on collaboration and courage – the courage to challenge the status quo, and the commitment to bring others along on the path to justice. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to MPG on this milestone and look forward to continuing our shared work towards a Europe where dignity, inclusion, and equality are not aspirational ideals, but daily realities.
Here’s to the next decade of impact, and to seeing MPG’s 40th anniversary celebrated with even more progress behind us.
