We are pleased to present the January-March 2026 edition of the Quarterly Review, featuring the latest updates from the Prague Process.
In January, the traditional beginning-of-the-year Policy Talk assessed what migration policy developments to expect in 2026. Furthermore, ICMPD’s Regional Migration Outlook for Eastern Europe and Central Asia pinpoints eight issues to look out for in 2026, helping to understand migration dynamics in this region. The Study Visit to Hungary in February provided practical insights into integrated border management through site visits to the Hungarian-Serbian border and Budapest Airport. Further in March, a workshop in Brussels addressed shared challenges and solutions in labour migration, highlighting the need for effective governance, skills matching and enhanced cooperation across the region.
Following the save-the-date letter issued by the Ministers of the Czech Republic and the Republic of Lithuania, the Prague Process has formally launched state consultations in preparation for the 5th Ministerial Conference, scheduled for 28 January 2027 in Vilnius. These consultations aim to shape the mandate of the Prague Process for 2028-2032. The first intergovernmental consultation, held in March, focused on the Action Plan’s provisions related to irregular migration and migrant smuggling, as well as readmission, return and reintegration.
Meanwhile, the Migration Observatory finalised updates of the country factsheets of numerous Prague Process states, providing concise snapshots of the migration situation and the latest policy developments. In addition, the Observatory released a new analytical report, exploring how migration could shape demographic and socio-economic future of the Western Balkans by 2035 under two scenarios: one driven by EU integration and circular mobility, and another marked by stagnation and continued outward migration. The Training Academy continued to provide learning opportunities through its available e-courses.
The issue is available for download in English and Russian.
To see all issues please go to the section "Quarterly Review" under News & Events.