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Irregular migration across the Mediterranean is still high on Europe’s political agenda. Admittedly, there are fewer people attempting to cross the Sea, but the current situation may not be sustainable.
This half-day conference explores concrete policies – particularly development aid and labour migration – to reduce incentives for irregular migration, in the medium to long term.
The discussion will first touch upon the relevance of international aid in EU-Africa relations and its impact on origin countries’ economic and social development. What role can aid play in enhancing EU-Africa relations? What balance should be struck between humanitarian and development aid? Which public services should be supported to incentivise people to stay while boosting a country’s development?
The second panel will focus on what role pathways for labour migration can play in reducing incentives for irregular crossing and in strengthening cooperation with origin countries. What can be done to improve the access of African citizens to existing EU work migration programmes? Are alternative offers necessary to create incentives for African governments to cooperate on overall migration management? What is the potential role of the European institutions?
Anyone working on international migration, development and cooperation is encouraged to join our panellists in the debate and to contribute to the discussion during the two Q&A sessions and coffee break.
Please click here for full agenda
Presentations:
Mauro Lanati / EUI / “Foreign Assistance and Migration Choices: Disentangling the Channels” view
Nadzeya Laurentsyeva / CEPS / “EU-Africa labour migration schemes: Implications for irregular migration” view
