Programme

As COVID-19 rages worldwide, the EU and Schengen area have striven to balance openness and the need to keep European economies afloat with the imperative to protect public health. Concurrently, the Union is making only very slow progress towards a new internal and external modus operandi to deliver on its migration priorities. Can the EU draw inspiration from another multi-lingual polity that has successfully reformed national asylum policies; settled the question of the free movement of people; and developed excellent diplomatic ties with third countries on migration?

Speakers: 
Ms Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal Councillor, Federal Department of Justice and Police, Switzerland
Mr Eduardo Cabrita, Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, Portugal
Moderator: Mr Michael Spindelegger, Director General, ICMPD

This session starts with the formal opening of the Vienna Migration Conference 2020 by Mr Lukas Gehrke, Deputy Director General and Director Policy, Research and Strategy, ICMPD.

ICMPD’s Malin Frankenhaeuser moderates a timely debate between two well-known European figures with very different backgrounds and perspectives, one from the East (Bulgaria), the other from the West (Germany). One is a best-selling author whose views are eagerly sought out by presidents and prime ministers; the other is a European federalist who, during the Juncker Commission, controlled the EU system like no one else before him. One is a geo-political realist deeply concerned about demographic trends in Eastern Europe; the other is an optimistic progressive and architect of mandatory relocation.

Can they agree on what the future holds, in particular whether the EU and Schengen area can survive and thrive in deeply uncertain times?

Speakers:
Mr Ivan Krastev, Chairman, Centre for Liberal Strategies
Mr Martin Selmayr, Head of the Representation, Representation of the European Commission in Austria
Moderator: Ms Malin Frankenhaeuser, Head of Policy, Directorate of Policy, Research, and Strategy, ICMPD

According to the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, one of the key gaps in European migration management is the difficulty to effectively return irregular migrants. As a result, return runs as a red thread throughout the Pact, including as a key element of the solidarity mechanism. The Pact tackles both the internal and external dimensions of return policy, advocating for a common EU system for returns that combines stronger internal structures with more effective cooperation with third countries on return and readmission. Against this background, this Focus Session discusses the current challenges and corresponding needs of Member States in the field of return and reintegration as well as the extent to which the measures proposed in the Pact (such as border procedures, return sponsorship and novel approaches to reintegration) can address these challenges.

Speakers: 
Mr Michael Kegels, Director of Operations, Federal agency for the reception of asylum seekers, Belgium
Ms Louise Ersbøll, Head of Division, Return and Readmission, Ministry of Immigration and Integration, Denmark
Moderator: Mr Sergo Mananashvili, Senior Advisor, Migration Dialogues and Cooperation, ICMPD

Mixed migration flows have posed an increasing challenge for Western Balkan countries, with rising numbers of migrants crossing the region on their way to the EU, putting relatively new migration and asylum systems to the test. Recent trends indicate that the numbers of those on the move claiming asylum in the Western Balkan countries remain low, as the majority wish to continue their journey towards Europe. At the same time, emigration from the region through regular channels also continues to have important impacts on the Western Balkan countries. This session zooms in on the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the speaker sharing his insight into the challenges as well as opportunities for cooperation with the EU and other countries.

Speaker: Mr Marijan Baotić, Assistant Minister, Sector for Asylum, Ministry of Security, Bosnia and Herzegovina 
Moderator: Mr Tamer Kilic, Regional Coordinator, Western Balkans and Turkey, ICMPD 

Whether or not migrants cross international borders, they tend to converge towards urban areas.  As cities are the governments closest to their populations and best aware of local realities and needs, they play a crucial role in the reception and integration of newcomers. Cities can also build bridges between migrants and host communities through cultural policies and local communication activities, fostering a sense of belonging and contributing to social cohesion. Despite this crucial role, cities operate within a context that is determined by national migration policy frameworks, often limited levels of decentralisation and accordingly limited competences, which pose specific challenges. Featuring representatives from two Mediterranean municipalities, this session explores the ways in which cities are well suited to facilitate integration at the local level, the obstacles they face and how these obstacles can best be overcome.

Speakers:
Mr Mounir Elloumi, Mayor of the Municipality of Sfax, Tunisia
Mr Emmanuel Carroz, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Grenoble, France 
Moderator: Ms Ana Feder, Regional Portfolio Manager, Regional Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, ICMPD

In Conversation: Priorities of the German Presidency of the EU on migration diplomacy

Creating and maintaining effective international cooperation frameworks and migration diplomacy is a central aspect of a comprehensive migration management system. The European Commission’s New Pact on Asylum and Migration stipulates a new resolve placed on partnership and cooperation with a number of countries of origin and transit. Also Germany, holding the EU Presidency, has emphasised the external dimension of migration. In Conversation explores these priorities and discusses the extent to which short and long-term objectives in this area will improve policy outcomes.

Speakers:
Mr Stephan Mayer, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of the Interior, Building and Community, Germany
Mr Michael Spindelegger, Director General, ICMPD

Give and Take – The geo-political context for migration diplomacy

A functioning migration system requires an effective external policy dimension that is informed by and responsive to the geo-political context in which it operates. Consequently, any external-facing migration policy demands flexibility and must be tailor-made to fit the country in question. For European countries, this necessitates a nuanced understanding of conditions in countries of origin and transit, including the socio-economic, political and legal environment. It also requires the political will to engage in the long term in mutually satisfying and reciprocal partnerships. This session aims to explore the geo-political context for effective cooperation on migration between Europe and some of its key partners and identify concrete priorities for action. 

Speakers:
Mr Yavuz Selim Kıran, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey
H.E. Amira El Fadil, Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union Commission
Mr Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, European Commission
Mr Stephan Mayer, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of the Interior, Building and Community, Germany
Moderator: Mr Michael Spindelegger, Director General, ICMPD 

Technological innovations have led to a rethinking of migration management, transforming the way that people and processes operate. Following the private sector’s lead, over the past decade, governments have started to shift away from analogue systems in favour of their digital counterparts. The COVID-19 crisis has served to accelerate this move to digital processes across all sectors, and migration management is no exception. Yet, when it comes to the public sector, there are several significant considerations and challenges. In this context, how can digital transformation be used to revamp migration management and what benefits does this bring? And, moreover, are European administrations ready to embrace the change triggered by the current pandemic – or will they fall back into old patterns once the pandemic subsides? This session explores what role innovation and technology can play in enhancing migration management in the immediate term and beyond the crisis. 

Speakers:
Ms Britta Behrendt, Head of Division, General Issues of Migration and Refugee Policy, EU Freedom of Movement, Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, Germany
Ms Lotje Van Der Made, Head, Pre-Return Assistance Sector, European Centre for Return, Frontex
Moderator: Ms Cecilia Lundstroem Carniel, Head of External and Member States Relations, ICMPD 

The inclusion of migrants in migration policy-making and programming can help improve design and implementation. While patterns and drivers of migration from the Silk Routes region to Europe are widely known, individual migrants’ decision-making is heavily influenced by the timeliness and accuracy of the information they receive, as well as by the migration policies and structures in place in countries of origin, transit and destination. In a context of constant change, how can states include migrants’ voices in the migration policy agenda? How can local information campaigns and outreach strategies be adapted to the pressing needs of migrants? Featuring perspectives from both the Silk Routes and the EU, this session explores the benefits of participatory planning and how it can support bilateral and multilateral relations, dialogues and agreements between Silk Routes countries and Europe. 

Speakers:
Mr Kashif Noor, Director General, Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, Pakistan
Mr Francesco Luciani, Head of Unit, Migration and Employment, Directorate-General for  International Cooperation and Development, European Commission 
Moderator: Ms Sedef Dearing, Head of the Budapest Process Secretariat and Regional Coordinator Silk Routes, ICMPD

In recent years, the EU has seen an increased demand for legal pathways for refugees. Some Member States have turned towards community sponsorship to find a way for society to directly contribute to resettlement efforts. At the same time, cities, civil society and private citizens are increasingly pushing state authorities to welcome more refugees. Against this backdrop, how can community sponsorship improve the integration of refugees, community cohesion and narratives around migration? How can it expand opportunities for resettlement, and protection, in Europe? Featuring high-level experts in the sector, this session looks at how such a scheme could be implemented and expanded in European countries. 

Speakers:
Ms Hana Jalloul Muro, Secretary of State for Migration, Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Spain
Mr Giulio di Blasi, European Director, Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative
Moderator: Ms Sarah Schlaeger, Head of Office in Jordan, ICMPD

Schengen is one of the most visible results of European integration and has led to the creation of several measures to standardise border controls across the area. But within the past five years, Europe has experienced two major external shocks: the 2015-16 migratory “crisis” and the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. These have illustrated the limitations to Schengen’s integrated set-up, with Member States walking back the harmonised approach to border management. While some observers may say that this is the beginning of end of Schengen, this session explores how an integrated border management (IBM) approach can help solve current and future challenges. It also examines tools, such as the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism and the Frontex-led vulnerability assessment, and reflects on how well prepared the EU is for future shocks.

Speakers: 
Mr Patrik Engström, Head, National Border Policing Section, The Swedish Police Authority 
Mr Marko Gašperlin, Assistant Director, Uniformed Police Directorate, Ministry of the Interior, Slovenia  
Moderator: Mr Borut Eržen, Head, Border Management and Security Programme, ICMPD

At the end of 2019, nearly 1.8 million migrants from Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries legally resided in the EU, with many unable to fully utilise their skills and education. At the same time, the emigration of talents has led to skills shortages in certain sectors of origin country economies. How can this situation be turned into ‘brain gain’ to minimise the negative and maximise the positive impacts of skilled immigration on countries of origin and destination? In this session, officials from the EaP region discuss the challenge of finding a balance between the interests of receiving and sending countries and of migrants themselves, including how dialogue can support the development of labour migration schemes between EU and EaP countries. They also examine how the experiences of EaP countries can inform the creation and implementation of future labour migration schemes.

Speakers: 
H.E. Daniela Morari, Ambassador, Head of Mission, Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union 
Mr Vusal Huseynov, Chief, State Migration Service, Azerbaijan 
Moderator: Ms Violeta Wagner, Regional Portfolio Manager, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, ICMPD

Schengen is at the heart of the European project, while the elements for a Common European Asylum System remain hotly contested. EU Member States have, often unilaterally, reintroduced border controls because of concerns linked to migration flows, security and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Recurrent issues in the Schengen debate are the deficiencies of the Dublin system and the associated risks of secondary movements in the EU – both of which the New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to address. This panel examines this latest proposal to break the gridlock, looking at these interlinked challenges as well as prospects for EU migration policy to move forward.

Speakers:
Mr Henrik Ankerstjerne, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Immigration and Integration, Denmark
Mr Ulrich Weinbrenner, Director General, Directorate-General of Migration, Refugees and Return Policy, Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, Germany
Mr Markos Karavias, Head, Asylum Service, Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Hellenic Republic
Ms Nina Gregori, Executive Director, European Asylum Support Office
Moderator: Mr Ralph Genetzke, Director, Head of Mission Brussels, ICMPD

Faster, more efficient asylum proceedings are key to the European Commission’s vision for a future EU asylum policy: its New Pact on Migration and Asylum foresees rapid screening at the border to channel arrivals into appropriate processes (protection or return). This is based on the idea that the integrity of the asylum system demands that procedures swiftly determine who has a need for international protection and who does not. It is argued that a faster decision helps eliminate abuses and is fairer to applicants, who should not be left in limbo. With the Swiss and Dutch frequently cited as examples of good practice, this session examines the experiences of states with accelerated asylum procedures, exploring the advantages, disadvantages and challenges, from congestion to protecting the right to asylum. It also looks at how such experiences fit with the ambition for rapid screening at the external border.

Speakers:  
Mr Marios Kaleas, Head, Asylum Office of Lesvos, Hellenic Republic
Mr Thomas Segessenmann, Deputy Head, Staff Office Asylum, State Secretariat for Migration, Switzerland
Moderator: Mr Martin Wagner, Senior Policy Advisor, Policy Unit, ICMPD 

Over the years, the EU and Turkey have built up extensive cooperation on migration that encompasses diverse issues such as migration management, humanitarian aid and the longer-term integration of refugees. Nevertheless, the current formula for cooperation has received renewed attention, with a view to revising and adjusting the framework for collaboration. Indeed, 2020 has highlighted both new and ongoing challenges related to migration in the region and to EU-Turkey relations. In this context, what are Turkey’s and the EU’s expectations regarding cooperation with Europe on migration issues? This session examines the most pressing challenges in the field of migration from these two perspectives, along with the possible scope and type of future cooperation between the EU and Turkey. 

Speakers: 
Mr H. Halil Afşarata, Chief Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Vice President of the Republic of Turkey and Chief Coordinator of the Facility of Refugees in Turkey 
Ms Myriam Ferran, Director, Strategy and Turkey, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission
Moderator: Mr Tamer Kilic, Regional Coordinator, Western Balkans and Turkey, ICMPD 

The New Pact on Migration and Asylum proposes the concept of Talent Partnerships (EUTPs) as a comprehensive tool to support legal migration and mobility with key non-EU partners. This is not altruism - working with third countries on legal pathways is aligned to the EU’s interests. Europe has an ageing and shrinking population as well as growing skills shortages in certain sectors. Third countries could benefit from an investment in skills, remittances and a more dynamic, mature relationship with the EU and its Member States. While the concept of EUTPs is promising, when it comes to their operationalization, there are still many open questions such as: What does the EU mean by ’talent’? How will EUTPs be structured? How can EUTPs respond to business needs in origin and destination countries? What lessons have been learnt from previous and current initiatives? This Focus Session aims at addressing these questions in conversation with representatives from the European Commission and the private sector.

Speakers:
Ms Laura Corrado, Head of Unit, Legal Pathways and Integration, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission
Mr Robert Plummer, Senior Advisor, Business Europe
Moderator: Ms Jennifer Tangney, Senior Project Manager – Mobility Partnership Facility, ICMPD

Implementing the external dimension of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum will be as important as the management of the external borders and internal solidarity. With successful migration partnerships central to pursuing a whole-of-route approach to migration, deepening and consolidating dialogues with and between partners is fundamental for strengthening capacity and ultimately migration governance. This panel examines how to leverage and promote genuine migration partnerships by finding common interests in cooperation – and, importantly, how to do this in practice. Panelists discuss the interlinkages between different migration interests and priorities whilst exploring concrete ways of identifying common objectives necessary to develop balanced and tailor-made partnerships.

Speakers: 
Hon. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, Bangladesh
Ms Andrea Schumacher, Vice-President, Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Germany
Mr Maciej Popowski, Acting Director-General, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission
Mr Martijn Pluim, Director, Migration Dialogues and Cooperation, ICMPD
Moderator: Ms Jessica Bither, Migration Fellow & Senior Program Officer, Europe Program, The German Marshall Fund of the United States

The Senior Panel is followed by a formal closure of the conference.