About VMC
Europe’s leading forum on migration
Our conference
Every autumn, ICMPD’s annual flagship event offers an indispensable opportunity to discuss unfolding geopolitical dynamics, global trends and the current EU migration agenda. It is the premier international platform for high-level discussions on migration in Europe and beyond, where debates put the spotlight firmly on the state of play in migration diplomacy and where real progress among key partners can be made.
Our mission
Today’s world is interconnected and constantly evolving, and so is international migration. Realities and perspectives are as dynamic as the flows and effects of migration. They differ not just among but also within countries and stakeholder groups. Making progress and finding common ground in this ever-changing and divisive policy area requires a platform for a continuous, structured debate and open discourse.
The Vienna Migration Conference (VMC) provides just that: a trusted space for frank exchanges, where decision-makers and practitioners discuss the latest developments and trends and outline their visions for the road ahead – on stage, in side talks and through networking.
VMC provides space for the exchange of a wide range of perspectives. In so doing, it sheds light on key migration-related opportunities and challenges – along routes to and within Europe, as well as for countries of origin and transit and other European partners.
Our outreach
We make use of our global network to bring together decision-makers, thought leaders and frontrunners in the migration sphere to convene, connect and engage.
Over the past nine editions, VMC has attracted ministers, leading experts and practitioners from governments across the EU, Türkiye, Western Balkans, Africa and Asia, as well as top figures from international and non-governmental organisations, academia, media, civil society and the private sector.
We stream most of our debates online, which brings VMC to the doorsteps of the wider migration community and ensures the broadest possible outreach. The conference is covered by international and local media and we share the highlights and analysis of the debates through social media, interviews and a conference report.
VMC Concept Note
Last year’s edition
Last year’s Vienna Migration Conference (VMC2025) was held on 21-22 October 2025 and featured 15 live sessions with 48 speakers and 341 in-person participants from 46 countries, alongside 1,490 registered online attendees.
VMC2025 took place against the backdrop of shifting international dynamics, economic realignments, labour market pressures and protracted conflicts that continue to shape migration patterns and policies. Discussions focused on progress and challenges in implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the role of migration partnerships, global efforts to attract skills and talent, return and reintegration in diverse contexts – including post-conflict recovery – and the use of forecasting and data in migration governance. Further information about the 2025 edition of the conference can be found here.
