International Migrants Day – 18 December 2024

On International Migrants Day, the European Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have issued a joint statement reaffirming the EU's commitment to addressing migration in a comprehensive, humane, and sustainable manner. 

On International Migrants Day, we recognise the challenges and aspirations of millions of migrants around the world who leave their homes in pursuit of safety, dignity, and opportunity. The European Union is home to millions of people coming from all parts of the world. Many of them contribute positively to our economy, but they also enrich our culture and way of life. 

In 2024, the EU adopted a Pact on Migration and Asylum, setting out clear and common rules to manage migration in a fair and firm way. We are taking a comprehensive approach to migration challenges, one that balances responsibility and solidarity, security and humanity. We are countering illegal migration, while enhancing safe and legal pathways to the EU – all of this, in cooperation with countries of origin and transit. 

Legal migration is vital to the European economy. As highlighted by the Draghi report, an orderly and well-managed labour migration is key for our competitiveness, and to tackle skills and labour gaps. But Europe still struggles to attract and retain talent. We need a step change in ambition and action. In our work with partners, action to combat illegal migration should go hand in hand with legal pathways addressing EU labour market needs and reducing the attractiveness of smuggling networks. 

We also need common action to fight criminals who trade on the hopes and aspirations of migrants. They put at risk the lives and dignity of people on the move. Our initiatives to counter illegal migration are now delivering strong results. In the first eleven months of 2023, irregular border crossings into the EU went down 40%. Sustained engagement with our partners on migration continues to bear fruit. 

Particular attention must go to vulnerable migrants, especially women and children, who face heightened risks of violence and abuse along their journeys. Today, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and human trafficking, to protect the rights and safety of migrants along the routes. 

Looking ahead, we call for enhanced international cooperation to address migration's global dimensions. This includes fostering development in countries of origin, promoting safe pathways, and ensuring human mobility occurs through legal and safe channels.