Welcome back to our Europe Express newsletter. Sign up here to receive this newsletter directly to your inbox every weekday and Saturday morning.
The recent memorandum of understanding signed between the EU and Tunisia has garnered attention for its potential effect on curbing irregular migration from North Africa across the Mediterranean. However, there is another important aspect to the migration issue that has received less coverage. Contrary to the perception of “fortress Europe,” many EU countries are actively addressing labor market gaps by welcoming non-European migrants.
The EU-Tunisia agreement focused on providing economic support to Tunisia in exchange for efforts to prevent unwanted migration from leaving Tunisian shores. Data from Frontex, the EU’s border control agency, reveals an increase of 137% in detected irregular border crossings across the central Mediterranean in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2022. Overall, Frontex reports that the total number of detected irregular crossings at EU borders exceeded 132,000, the highest for the first six months of a year since 2016.
These figures have contributed to the rise of hard-right parties in countries such as Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Spain, in particular, is holding a snap general election this week, which may result in a conservative government either in coalition with or relying on the support of the hard-right Vox party.
It is important not to overlook the humanitarian aspect of the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe. Last month, a tragic incident occurred off the Greek coast, where a trawler carrying as many as 750 men, women, and children sank. The majority are believed to have drowned. The International Organization for Migration’s missing migrants project reports that nearly 28,000 people have died in the Mediterranean between 2014 and the present day, making it the world’s most perilous migration route.
Despite such tragedies, there has been limited effort by the EU to prioritize saving lives in the Mediterranean. Dunja Mijatović, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner, criticized the lack of rescue capacity, coordination, safe and legal routes, and solidarity, as well as the criminalization of NGOs providing life-saving assistance.
Migration policy in Europe is not solely focused on keeping people out; it also recognizes the acute labor shortages in various sectors. The European Commission’s policy paper highlights the need to open doors to non-European migrants, as the EU’s working-age population is projected to decline. Sectors such as construction, healthcare, engineering, and information technology have experienced labor shortages.
Countries across the political spectrum, including Austria, Germany, and Italy, are actively implementing measures to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries. Spain, for instance, relies on tens of thousands of migrants from Latin America annually to sustain its socio-economic system.
Europe’s reliance on foreign workers is unlikely to diminish, as the continent and North America are expected to have the highest proportions of elderly populations for the next three decades. By 2025, 26.9% of the population in these regions will be aged 65 or over, according to UN forecasts. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa’s population is expected to nearly double in size by 2050, making it a potential source for replenishing Europe’s labor force.
However, bridging the gap between migration policies and the politically charged debate surrounding labor market reforms is a significant challenge. France, in particular, has faced difficulties as President Emmanuel Macron’s government struggles to pass a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to legalize their status in trades facing labor shortages.
In order for migration policies to succeed, it is crucial for governments to secure social consent. This requires truthfulness regarding the necessity of immigration, regardless of the political climate. As Cecilia Malmström, a former EU home affairs commissioner, stated, explaining the need for immigrants is challenging in times of high unemployment, financial crises, and social difficulties. Nevertheless, it is a conversation that must be had, even though it remains challenging.
For more information and in-depth reports on migration and its impact, please refer to the links and resources provided.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
