An opportunity and a challenge
Migration in the European Union

European Commission

Manuscript completed in May 2009

Catalogue number: NA-78-08-857-EN-C

Text only:   Manuscript (118 Kb)
 

Illustrated version: 1503 Kb

The European Union has historically attracted millions of immigrants. Most of them come legally, but there are some who do not. Immigration is both an opportunity and a challenge for Europe. Legal immigrants are needed to fill gaps in the EU labour force, as the EU’s own population grows older and its birth rate declines. However, the EU needs to curb illegal immigration and cooperate with other countries to arrange the return of irregular immigrants on a voluntary basis. The EU also has a duty to protect genuine asylum-seekers fleeing persecution or serious harm. The aim of European leaders is to devise a common strategy, to help each country to cope with the challenges and to benefit from the opportunities. This is why they have agreed on a European Pact on Migration and Asylum.