Susanne Raab Appointed Director General of Vienna Migration Policy Center

Susanne Raab, the former Integration Minister of Austria, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Vienna Institute for Migration Policy (ICMPD). Representatives from the 21 member states of the ICMPD elected Raab on Thursday in Stockholm, succeeding Michael Spindelegger, who will step down at the end of the year.

The ICMPD, established in 1993 by Switzerland and Austria in response to the refugee crises during the Balkan wars, now operates projects in 90 countries and has 33 regional offices. Its mission is to support member states and partners in developing more effective migration policies, which includes monitoring migration flows and collaborating with origin and transit countries. The organization gained increased prominence following the migration crisis of 2015/16.

Raab's election marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead ICMPD. Sofia Östmark, the current chair of the ICMPD's Steering Board, praised Raab's qualifications, stating that her expertise will significantly enhance the organization's efforts in migration policy development.

In her acceptance, Raab expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead an organization known for its comprehensive approach to migration policy and its impressive innovations. She aims to build upon the strong foundation established by her predecessor and strengthen ICMPD's role as a leading international body dedicated to developing practical and effective solutions for migration management.

Raab received congratulations from various political leaders, including Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. Karner emphasized the importance of having a qualified leader like Raab at the helm of ICMPD, highlighting her extensive experience in migration and integration as critical for addressing current challenges.

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger also expressed her support, stating that ICMPD would greatly benefit from Raab's leadership and dedication.

The selection process for the new Director General concluded after a competitive international application period, which attracted over 70 candidates. A three-member committee, consisting of a representative from ICMPD's supervisory board, the ICMPD management director, and an international recruitment consultant, conducted a thorough selection process. Raab successfully made it to the shortlist after a hearing in March and underwent an extensive interview with delegates from all member states in April.

During Spindelegger's decade-long leadership, ICMPD expanded significantly, with countries such as Turkey, Malta, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, and Ireland joining the organization. With this growth, ICMPD has gained a strong international reputation for its expertise in migration issues, though it has faced criticism regarding its projects with origin and transit countries.

Notably, ICMPD was in the spotlight when it constructed a detention facility for migrants in the northern Bosnian refugee camp Lipa, which faced backlash from local politicians and NGOs, leading to plans for its demolition.