As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) at a decisive moment for migration management, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling on EU Member States to translate new migration reforms into practical, evidence-driven implementation, backed by strong partnerships and sustainable investment.
With implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and negotiations on the next long-term EU budget underway, IOM's recommendations to the Irish EU Presidency outline four priority areas to help advance an effective and balanced migration agenda that supports the Presidency's focus on competitiveness, security and values.
"Ireland's Presidency arrives as the EU has begun the process of turning hard-fought reforms into credible results on migration," said Lukas Gehrke, Director of IOM's Global Office in Brussels. "That means keeping implementation practical, balanced and grounded in evidence, while ensuring the next EU budget provides the predictable, sustained investment needed to respond to migration and displacement within and beyond the EU."
Migration trends show both progress and continuing challenges. While irregular arrivals to the EU have declined, the human cost along migration routes remains high, with the rate of fatalities in the Central Mediterranean underscoring persistent risks faced by migrants. At the same time, most migration to the EU continues through regular pathways, with millions of residence permits issued annually for work, family, and education, reflecting migration's essential role in addressing labour market needs and competitiveness.
Against this backdrop, IOM's recommendations call for strengthened evidence-driven migration governance to support more anticipatory and coordinated responses. This includes reinforcing data systems, foresight analysis, and early warning capacities to better understand evolving migration dynamics shaped by global crises, climate change, and shifting mobility patterns.
As EU Member States are actively involved in putting in place new systems and procedures for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the Irish Presidency will have a key role in facilitating practical solutions, addressing possible bottlenecks, and supporting a phased and flexible rollout that reflects diverse national contexts while maintaining common standards.
IOM stresses the need to advance a comprehensive approach to migration governance within the EU that balances border management, asylum, and return systems with strong support for integration, protection safeguards and respect for fundamental rights. This includes promoting fair and efficient return procedures, strengthening digitalization efforts, and improving coordination among Member States and EU agencies to ensure effective implementation.
The recommendations also highlight the importance of reinforcing the external dimension of EU migration policy through strategic partnerships with partner countries. Strengthening cooperation along migration routes, supporting countries of origin and transit, and promoting safe and regular migration pathways will be essential to address root causes, reduce irregular movements, and foster shared responsibility.
Given increasing global displacement driven by conflict, instability, and climate-related hazards, IOM calls for migration to be fully integrated into broader EU policy frameworks, including development, climate action, and humanitarian assistance.
Anticipating and responding to climate-related mobility, in particular, will require forward-looking, cross-sectoral approaches that link migration policy with resilience-building and adaptation strategies.
IOM's recommendations further highlight the strategic importance of labour mobility and skills partnerships in addressing EU labour shortages and enhancing economic competitiveness. Initiatives such as the EU Talent Pool and Talent Partnerships offer opportunities to expand regular migration pathways while ensuring fair and ethical recruitment practices and protection of migrant rights.
Drawing on its global operational footprint and its presence across EU Member States and partner countries, IOM reiterates its commitment to supporting the Irish Presidency and EU Member States in advancing a pragmatic and principled migration agenda.
Read IOM's recommendations here .
