Overview and implications for the Pact for the Mediterranean
As the EU launches its Pact for the Mediterranean, this JRC report explores the interconnected areas of demography, migration, and education in the region, highlighting their significant implications for cooperation between the EU and Southern Mediterranean countries. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the distinct demographic and migration trends in the Mediterranean region, as well as the challenges and opportunities in education, where investing in human capital is critical to developing competitiveness and unlocking the potential for growth and stability. A key finding is that the young and growing population in the Southern Mediterranean will continue to shape migration potential, but other factors such as economic conditions, conflicts and border policies will ultimately determine the eventual translation of such potential into actual migratory movements. The report highlights the potential win-win benefits of expanding education and labour migration pathways, which could help the EU alleviate labour shortages while generating benefits for Southern Mediterranean countries, including remittances, knowledge transfer, and reduced labour market pressure. Looking ahead, the report emphasizes the importance of the 2025-2035 period for decision-making and investments in education and human capital, with a focus on improving school attendance and enhancing competences. By providing evidence-based and actionable insights, this report aims to support the effective implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean and foster a collaborative and sustainable EU-Southern Mediterranean partnership.
MAJORANO SARAPO Francesca;
NATALE Fabrizio;
BIAGI Federico;
FOGLI Camilla;
DEUSTER Christoph;
BOSSAKOV Alexander;
2025-10-16
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC143548
978-92-68-32282-6 (online),
978-92-68-32283-3 (print),
1831-9424 (online),
1018-5593 (print),
EUR 40483,
EUR 40483 (print),
OP KJ-01-25-511-EN-N (online),
OP KJ-01-25-511-EN-C (print),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC143548,
10.2760/5714193 (online),
10.2760/4920616 (print),
