International Forum for Migration Statistics 2025

Population dynamics and migration in the mediterranean region: a science for policy perspective

Jun 17, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Ground Floor & Floors 3-5, Niagra Building

Description

The Mediterranean has long been a hub for mobility and migration, driven by historical, economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors. As the region faces new challenges—such as climate change, economic inequality, and political instability—understanding the structural drivers of migration flows and in particular the interplay with demographic trends is essential for informing policy development and shaping the narrative on migration away from the short term focus on security and irregular movements. The combination of responsibilities for the Mediterranean and for Demography within a single mandate for the 2024-2029 European Commission highlights the political relevance and urgency of addressing gaps in data and scientific knowledge on migration and population dynamics to inform policymaking. The parallel session will take stock of the most recent advances in the estimate of migration flows in the region, describe how these estimates contribute to past and projected population dynamics vis a vis fertility and mortality, and highlight priorities for future research on migration and demography in support of policy making. Discussions in the panel will offer ideas for preparing the New Pact for the Mediterranean by the European Commission. Moderator: Fabiana Scapolo, Head of Unit, Demography and Migration, European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre (JRC) Speakers: - Elena Ambrosetti, Professor of Demography, Sapienza University of Rome - Jean-Christophe Dumont, Head of International Migration Division, OECD - Christoph Deuster, Project Officer, European Commission, Joint Research Centre - Katerina Wolfova, Head of Unit, Egypt, Pact for the Mediterranean, European Commission, DG Middle East, North Africa and Gulf (MENA)