Migration Policy Institute Europe (MPI Europe), as part of the Making migration and migration policy decisions amidst societal transformations (PACES), recently hosted a webinar examining how narratives shape migration governance and how evidence-based approaches can help close the gap between perception and reality.
About the webinar
Across Europe and beyond, policymakers strive to design migration policies that are both effective in achieving their objectives and politically palatable to host communities. These policy choices are often shaped by underlying assumptions - about who migrants are, how they make decisions, and what the public wants. However, these assumptions are often misaligned with evidence and can limit the range of policies deemed practical or politically feasible.
This webinar brought together Riccardo Biggi (Leiden University), Anne-Marie Jeannet (University of Milan) and Andrew Geddes (European University Institute) and Jasmijn Slootjes (MPI Europe) to unpack the underlying assumptions shaping migration policymaking in Europe, including perceptions of migrant behaviour and beliefs about public preferences.
Together, they presented new analysis of policymakers’ views on migrant decision-making, shared evidence on public attitudes towards migration policies across six European countries and discussed ongoing efforts to align policy more closely with evidence. The discussion highlighted how evidence-informed approaches can support more sustainable and realistic migration governance in Europe.
Watch the webinar
About the PACES project
PACES promotes the use of migration science in policymaking. The project analyses European migration policies, examines how societal change and life course factors shape migration decisions, and explores policy options that support mobility or sustainable staying. Using co-participatory methods, the project incorporates the perspectives of migrants and key stakeholders, including employers, unions and communities at origin and destination.
The project runs from 2024 to 2026.
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Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. View and opinions are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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