EMN inform on the link of migration-development nexus

The EMN inform “Migration and Development Cooperation” highlights the link between migration and development cooperation and how the EMN Member Countries and Serbia are addressing the topic. The report focuses on areas such as combating irregular migration, improving migration management, creating opportunities for regular migration routes and engaging diasporas. Sweden is making particular progress through bilateral cooperation, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and a new development aid agenda. The new strategy integrates migration policy more closely with development cooperation and identifies specific geographical priorities.

Sixteen EMN Member Countries have implemented programmes within this framework, with both national and EU funding. However, only Austria, Belgium, Germany, France and the Netherlands have specific mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating their efforts in this area. Despite growing interest at both the EU and international levels, a comprehensive mapping of national policies is still lacking.

During Sweden’s EU Presidency in 2023, the new Migration and Asylum Pact was adopted, highlighting the link between migration- development nexus as a key factor in building stable societies. Countries such as Belgium, Germany and Italy emphasise the importance of involving migrants, diasporas and partner countries in the design of programmes. Belgium in particular promotes the Global Skills Partnership model in this context.

Current situation in Sweden

In December 2023, Sweden presented a new agenda for development aid, integrating migration policy more closely with development cooperation and identifying specific geographical priorities. Sweden’s strategies focus on improved migration management, the establishment of regular migration routes, voluntary return and sustainable reintegration.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, such as regarding coordination, funding and consensus on certain policy issues. Sweden is actively engaged in bilateral and regional development cooperation and is working to improve dialogue between the Swedish Migration Agency and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The countries share the goal of effectively coordinating their migration and development strategies to address these challenges.