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Perception vs reality: how many migrants are there, really?

Europeans tend to overestimate the number of migrants living in their countries. According to a 2022 Eurobarometer survey, 68% of respondents believed there were more migrants in their country than there actually are. On average, people thought that non-EU citizens made up 16% of the population, while the real figure is under 7%.

Eurostat data shows that in 2024, 29 million third-country nationals lived in the EU — around 6.4% of the population, up from 21 million (5%) in 2019. The growth is visible, but not dramatic. However, the picture varies between countries: Malta has nearly 24% of residents from outside the EU, while Poland and Romania have only around 2%.

Interestingly, migration is slowly dropping down the list of political priorities. In spring 2025, Europeans ranked it fourth among the most important issues — behind security, the economy, and living costs.

Illegal border crossings are falling

Fears of “mass” or “uncontrolled” migration are common in public debates. But Frontex data paints a different picture. In 2024, there were 239,000 detections of illegal border crossings into the EU — 25% fewer than in 2023.

This downward trend continued into 2025 across all major migration routes. The decline is linked to EU operations and partnerships with countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Mauritania, aimed at curbing departures from North Africa. The question, however, remains: are these agreements built on long-term cooperation or short-term political compromises?

Legal migration dominates

Public discussions often focus on irregular migration, but the truth is that legal migration happens on a much larger scale. In 2023 alone, 3.9 million people from outside the EU received legal residence and work permits. In comparison, irregular border crossings numbered around 380,000 in 2023 and 239,000 in 2024.

One of the main tools for attracting skilled workers is the EU Blue Card, granted to nearly 90,000 specialists. This shows that EU countries are actively encouraging controlled, legal migration — especially in response to labour market needs.

Labour shortages and migrants’ role in the EU economy

According to reports by Mario Draghi and the European Commission, around a quarter of EU companies face staff shortages, and half struggle to find suitable candidates. In 2024, there were 42 occupations officially identified as having critical labour shortages — including construction, transport, agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare.

With unemployment at record lows, migrant workers are becoming essential for Europe’s economy. Eurostat data shows that third-country nationals are more likely to take up physically demanding or routine jobs that EU citizens often avoid. In European cities, one in four low-skilled workers comes from outside the EU — twice as many as in rural areas.

This raises an important question: should migration policy be viewed mainly through the lens of security and control, or as a strategic tool for Europe’s economic resilience?

Human rights at the core of EU policy

Despite heated rhetoric, fundamental rights remain the backbone of EU migration policy. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the 1951 Geneva Convention guarantee the right to asylum, prohibit collective expulsions, and ensure respect for human dignity.

The new Pact on Migration and Asylum reinforces these principles by harmonising criteria, improving monitoring, and raising reception standards — including access to free legal counselling for asylum seekers. One tangible example: EU-funded modernisation of 22 reception centres in Greece to improve living conditions and access to services.

Integration starts with language

Integration is not a one-way process — it requires effort from both migrants and host societies. According to Eurobarometer, 70% of Europeans believe that successful integration depends on shared responsibility.

The most important factor? Learning the local language. Other key elements include paying taxes, civic engagement, and having relevant job skills. As Eurobarometer 519 highlights, without language, real participation in community life remains out of reach.

Ukrainian refugees — burden or benefit?

Over 4 million Ukrainians currently live in the EU under temporary protection. Contrary to initial fears, their presence has positive economic effects. In Poland, studies by UNHCR and Deloitte estimate their contribution to GDP at 0.7–1.1%, and similar data from the Czech Ministry of Social Affairs shows that Ukrainian migrants pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits.

Still, language barriers and administrative challenges remain significant obstacles. EU countries are offering vocational certification programmes and intensive language courses, and temporary protection has been extended until March 2027 — giving space for long-term integration efforts.

The key question now is whether these initiatives will turn temporary protection into lasting participation in European societies, or remain just a short-term crisis response.

A more realistic view on migration

Migration in Europe is not a crisis — it’s a complex and evolving reality that mixes opportunity, challenge, and diversity. Understanding the real data, rather than the myths, helps shape policies that are fair, effective, and in line with Europe’s values.

For young Europeans, this is also a test: how can the EU remain open, safe, and united in a world on the move?

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