Communication from the commission to the European Parliament, the council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum

Abstract

Migration has been a constant feature of human history with a profound impact on European society, its economy and its culture. With a well-managed system, migration can contribute to growth, innovation and social dynamism. Key societal challenges faced bythe world today –demography, climate change, security, the global race for talent, and inequality –all have an impact on migration. Policy imperatives such as free movement in the Schengen area, safeguarding fundamental rights, ensuring security, and filling skills gaps, all call for an effective migration policy. The task facing the EU and its Member States, while continuing to address urgent needs, is to build a system that manages and normalises migration for the long term and which is fully grounded in European values and international law.