• Current language: en
EU Science Hub

Data portal provides the facts on migration in Europe

A wide range of migration data is collected and disseminated in Europe at national and, sometimes, sub-national level
A wide range of migration data is collected and disseminated in Europe at national and, sometimes, sub-national level
©EU 2019
Apr 30 2019

A dedicated section on migration in Europe prepared by the European Commission's Knowledge Centre on Migration and Demography has just been released on IOM's Global Migration Data Portal.

It brings together an array of data sources to provide evidence on European migration in one place.

By presenting the data in an easy to understand format, the page contributes to more informed public debate.

The migration data in Europe page provides information to help understand who migrants living in Europe are, what migration routes they are taking and what is driving them to move.

The page also highlights recent migration trends, including:

  • Migration has become much more diverse in terms of origins of migrants;
  • Both globally and in Europe, most migration is intra-continental;
  • The number of refugees is on the rise worldwide. Most refugees seek harbour in neighbouring countries;
  • Thousands of migrants found to be irregularly present in the EU  return annually to their countries of origin, whether from enforced or voluntary returns; many more return voluntarily when their circumstances change (e.g. end of studies, family reasons, employment)
  • The competition for talent has become global. In this context, Europe is working on a number of initiatives to attract more highly skilled migrants;
  • In the Western Hemisphere and Europe in particular, the salience of migration as a political and social concern has intensified.

The Knowledge Centre on Migration and Demography is a European Commission initiative to provide scientific evidence for EU policymaking in migration and demography related fields.

A wide range of migration data is collected and disseminated in Europe at national and, sometimes, sub-national level. Institutional and legal frameworks have been developed by the EU with the aim of ensuring that migration data are of high quality, harmonised across countries, and easily accessible.

A continuous process of political dialogue is in place to ensure that the frameworks keep pace with increased demands for information and knowledge.

Further information