The year 2024 was another of key milestones for ICMPD. Amidst elections dominated by migration in key regions, developments in the migration discourse including returns, conflicts, and the continuing challenges for both Europe and the migratory routes, ICMPD’s efforts remained on-course as relevant and as necessary. In an in-depth interview featured in this Annual Report, Director General Michael Spindelegger noted ICMPD’s strategic pairing of its thematic focus in the duality of addressing irregular migration in the EU, while tackling the labour shortage in the region. With 2024’s key global events and shifting geopolitical relations, Mr Spindelegger offers some key reflections on ICMPD’s role in the growing importance of, and need for, improved migration governance