Seven facts to help understand migration

Public debate about migration is often driven by sensationalist news and emotional, polarising statements. It can be difficult to keep track and distinguish between opinions, facts and willful manipulation. The following facts could contribute to a more balanced debate on migration and EU migration policy.

Fact 1 - Europeans tend to overestimate the share of migrants in the population

Europeans tend to think that there are more migrants in their society than there are in reality. According to the most recent Eurobarometer on integration of migrants (2022), 68% of respondents overestimated the real share of migrants in the population. The figure varies between EU Member States but on average, Europeans believe that 16% of their country's population are non-EU citizens, while the actual share is less than 7%. 

For context, more than 93% of people living in the EU are EU citizens. Latest Eurostat data shows that in 2024, 29 million people living in the EU were non-EU citizens, representing 6.4% of total EU population (Poland and Sweden do not count refugees from Ukraine in these statistics). The number grew from 21 million (5%) in 2019.

Fact 2 - Irregular crossings of external EU borders went down in 2024

The EU is working to control external borders and limit irregular migration. In 2024, Frontex reported 239 000 irregular border crossings, 25% less than in 2023. The numbers continued to drop on all the monitored routes also in the first 7 months of 2025.

The Commission works closely with EU countries and agencies, international partners and non-governmental organisations to prevent irregular migration and ensure the return of those who are not eligible to stay in the EU. An important driver of reduced irregular border crossings is a more targeted effort by EU and national authorities to dismantle migrant smuggling networks. Agreements and partnerships between the EU and African countries such as Tunisia, Egypt or Mauritania have also helped to limit irregular departures from these countries.

Fact 3 - Legal arrivals to the EU significantly outnumber irregular arrivals

The EU has clear and transparent rules allowing people to enter and reside on its territory. Most people entering the EU come through legal migration channels, such as work, study, family reunification, or resettlement. These legal pathways mainly help address EU labour market needs. Based on the latest data in 2023, more than 3.9 million non-EU citizens obtained the right to both reside and work in the EU. Nearly 90 000 highly qualified non-EU workers received an EU Blue Card. These numbers are significantly higher than the number of irregular border crossings (around 380 000 in 2023 and 239 000 in 2024).

Fact 4 - The EU needs more workers and migrants can fill these jobs

The EU lacks workers. According to the recent report by Mario Draghi, around a quarter of European companies have faced difficulties in finding employees with the right skills, while another half report some difficulties. In 2024, the Commission has identified 42 occupations that face worker shortages across the EU. These include jobs in construction, transport, agriculture, hospitality, health and social care. The 2024 Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe Report by ELA describes that many of these sectors are essential for the good functioning and competitiveness of the European economy.

With the unemployment rates in the EU hitting record lows (see Eurostat), people from abroad help fill the gaps. According to Eurostat, non-EU citizens take more often jobs with simple, routine or physical tasks that Europeans cannot or do not want to do. Employment of non-EU workers brings important benefits to the local and regional economies. In OECD countries, a quarter of low-skilled workers in essential occupations in cities are migrants, twice as high as in rural areas. Without migrant workers, many hospitals, transport operators, construction companies, restaurants or grocery stores would not be able to provide services at the required level.

Fact 5 - Respect of fundamental rights is at the heart of EU migration policy

EU migration policy is grounded in the respect for fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the 1951 Geneva Convention on the status of refugees. These legal foundations guarantee the right to asylum, the prohibition of collective expulsions, and the protection of human dignity. Upholding these a law-based order is central to the EU’s identity and values, ensuring that migration management is not only effective but also aligned with international human rights standards.

The EU Migration and Asylum Pact further strengthens the respect of fundamental rights. It harmonises criteria for international protection, introduces monitoring and establishes reception standards. The reform creates new safeguards for asylum seekers and vulnerable people and introduces free legal counselling for all applicants. The EU also has dedicated funds and operational support to improve reception capacities in its Member States. For example in Greece, the EU has helped to set up, upgrade and operate 22 facilities that provide basic shelter, food or legal aid to asylum seekers.

Fact 6 - Learning the local language helps migrants to integrate

Integration is widely regarded as a two-way process, requiring active participation from all parties: those with the right to stay; host societies; and public administrations. According to the latest Eurobarometer on integration and immigration, 70 % of Europeans agree that both newcomers and host communities must share responsibility for successful integration.

For Europeans, learning the local language is the most important factor that helps integration. Other important aspects include: the migrants’ contribution to the welfare system (paying taxes); being committed to the way of life in the host society; and having education and skills that are sufficient to find a job. Details are available in the Special Eurobarometer 519.

Fact 7 – Ukrainian refugees contribute to the economy

Over four million Ukrainian refugees enjoy temporary protection in the EU. Many have found work or set up businesses within months after arriving to the EU. They contribute to the public systems with their taxes and social security transfers. While there are no common statistics for the whole EU, for example in Poland, according to a recent study by UNHCR and Deloitte, the presence of the refugees from Ukraine generated 2.7% of Poland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The study also foresees the refugees from Ukraine will continue having a positive economic impact while they remain in Poland, vastly outstripping the cost of any support they received. In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Social affairs reports that Ukrainian refugees contribute more to the public budgets than what they receive as support.

Some refugees, however, face linguistic and administrative barriers to employment. EU Member States roll-out programmes to help them learn the language or gain national certification in their domain. Thanks to the EU Temporary protection, people fleeing the war in Ukraine benefit from various rights in the EU such as the access to employment, education or medical care. Following the latest EU Member State decision, the temporary protection will last until March 2027. 

Find out more

Statistics on Migration to Europe

Pact on Migration and Asylum

Questions and answers on the Pact on Migration and Asylum

Eurostat