Mobility in the Mediterranean : refocusing EuroMed relations on work, vocational training and mobility

Abstract

As migration in the Mediterranean region is set to increase, driven by income gaps, climate change, and other diverse reasons, the Euro-Mediterranean partners should engage in fair discussions to overcome blockages with a long term vision, while the EU should set up a more integrated policy towards neighbours that would stop working in silos. Declustering policies will alleviate tensions with the Southern neighbours and make it easier to negotiate a global, comprehensive and mutually beneficial deal, that promote also a safe, orderly, and regular migration, which would help maximize returns for sending and receiving countries. A constructive dialogue will help demystifying migration, dispassionate the debate and prompt the governments at all levels (along with NGOs and media) to find efficient ways to inject information into highly polarised and contentious policy debates.