FARSIGHT The Futures of European Migration
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Oct 11, 2025 Migration has skyrocketed to a top political issue in Europe. Leaders are calling for both low- and high-skilled immigration amidst shifting demographics and declining fertility rates. The discussion explores Europe’s quest for global talent amid competition and past labor migration’s legacy. Four scenarios for future migration unfold: large-scale labor influx, elite-focused immigration, fragmented national policies, and EU enlargement as a strategy. Each scenario unveils the potential economic and cultural stakes for Europe's future.
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Demography Makes Migration Necessary
- Europe's demographic decline and aging population make migration a structural necessity rather than a short-term fix.
- Falling fertility and rising life expectancy create long-term labor and fiscal pressures that migration alone must address.
Europe Courting American Researchers
- Several EU states actively courted US academics amid American institutional turmoil.
- France, Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavian universities launched programs to attract disillusioned American researchers.
Think Decades Not Election Cycles
- Policymakers must plan 20–30 years ahead because migration decisions have long-term ripple effects.
- Short electoral horizons risk paralysis while demographic pressures steadily intensify.