Migration is a defining feature of humanity: we are driven to expand and explore. People have been leaving their ancestral homes since time immemorial. Many have had to do so out of necessity, fleeing war, persecution or famine, but migrants, with their knowledge, networks and skills, have always contributed to building stronger and more resilient communities. However, the persistent lack of safe and regular migration pathways exacerbates their vulnerability and marginalisation in our societies, and pushes them to embark on dangerous journeys every year. Since 2014, more than 50,000 migrants have lost their lives on migratory routes around the world.

“Throughout its history, Europe has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by migration. Creating safe, secure and legal pathways allows the European Union to unlock the immense potential of human mobility. It is an investment in our economy and our society as a whole, supporting key areas such as the EU’s green and digital transition, and contributing to make Europe more competitive, cohesive and resilient”, reads the Statement of the European Commission and the High Representative to mark the date.

The estimated number of international migrants has increased over the past five decades. In 2020 there were approximately 281 million people living in a country other than their country of birth, according to the IOM’s World Migration Report 2022. At the end of 2021, a staggering 59.1 million people were internally displaced (55 million in 2020). 53.2 million were due to conflict and violence while 5.9 million were due to disasters.

Despite the job insecurity and the stigma and xenophobia they often face, migrants have proven to be a source of prosperity, innovation and sustainable development for countries of origin, transit and host countries. “Their financial contribution through remittance offers a lifeline to families and spurs local markets especially those of Low- and Middle-Income Countries, while their role in the labour market remains invaluable as evident on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic response”, reads the UN website dedicated to marking the day.

No state can manage migration effectively and sustainably in isolation. This is why, in December 2018, a majority of UN Member States adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the first inter-governmentally negotiated agreement designed to provide a comprehensive approach to human mobility and support international cooperation on the governance of international migration. The Global Compact provides a comprehensive menu of options for States from which they can select policy options to address some of the most pressing issues around international migration; and gives States the space and flexibility to pursue implementation based on their own migration realities and capacities.

Towards the creation of new avenues for regular migration

Some 3 million non-EU nationals migrate legally to the EU every year. Some in search of new opportunities, others escaping conflict, persecution or environmental degradation, or coming to reunite with their families. Many, however, struggle to find opportunities despite the fact that the EU labour market suffers from skills shortages in several Member States and sectors, and the existing workforce is not sufficient to meet current and future labour market needs.

Thanks to the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which recognises the key role of regular migration for our European society and economy, the EU is working to create new avenues for regular migration, for all levels of education and skill sets, such as through the establishment of strong and mutually beneficial Talent Partnerships with partner countries. The aim is to enhance the EU's legal migration framework, simplifying the application process for living and working in the EU and improving the rights of residents and their family members, with a view to building confidence in the migration system and thus in the future. 

“Creating legal pathways for migration not only has economic benefits, it also improves overall migration management, strengthening cooperation with our partners, making the EU an open and globally connected interlocutor. It helps to reduce irregular and unsafe migration and the human and economic costs associated with smuggling and trafficking. It facilitates migrants’ inclusion and integration into the hosting communities, thus enhancing their mutual benefits”, reads the EU Statement to mark the date.