About WB-MIGNET

The Western Balkans Migration Network (WB-MIGNET) is a regional platform committed to advancing research, fostering dialogue, and shaping evidence-based policies on migration and mobility in the Western Balkans. Founded to address the growing complexity of migration issues, WB-MIGNET connects academic institutions, policymakers, and civil society organizations to promote sustainable migration governance. By facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, the network supports comprehensive approaches to migration management and diaspora engagement, contributing to regional development and integration into broader European and global frameworks.

Focus Areas

  • Labor Migration and Mobility
  • Migration Policy and Governance
  • Diaspora Engagement and Development

What We Do

Understanding Migration Drivers

We analyze key theories and models to identify the main drivers of different types of migration (immigration, emigration, return, forced migration) in the Western Balkans. This research also serves as a foundation for foresight activities, helping predict future trends.

Migration Decision-Making

Through collaboration with WageIndicator, we explore how migrants make location choices at the sub-national level. Our research also examines migration networks, transnationalism, integration, and the impact of green transition, social policies, housing, and human rights on migration decisions.

Predicting Future Migration Trends

We aim to develop an early warning system and forecasting models to anticipate migration trends and inform policy revisions in the Western Balkans. Our foresight exercise is a key initiative that we plan to expand with donor and partner support.

Building Research Infrastructure

By leveraging partnerships with IMISCOE, CESSDA, and the Hummingbird project, we work on strengthening migration research infrastructure in the region. A key focus is establishing a migration observatory to consolidate research on migration drivers, forecasting, and policy development.

Institutional Partners

Center for Development Evaluation and Social Science research (CREDI)

Sarajevo, BiH

Institute for Migration Research
(IMIN)

Zagreb, Hrvatska

Institute for Strategic Studies and Prognoses

Podgorica, Montenegro

Institute of Geography

Skopje, North Macedonia

University Luigj Gurakuqi Shkoder, Faculty of Economics

Shkoder, Albania

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Geography

Belgrade, Serbia

Partners

LSEE: Research on South Eastern Europe

London, England

IMISCOE: (International Migration Research Network)

Liege, Belgium

Wageindicator

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Our Donors