Experts Call for More Balanced Migration Discourse in Europe

Public discourse around migration in Europe continues to be dominated by simplified and biased narratives, according to a comprehensive new report from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). The study provides communication professionals and policymakers with evidence-based recommendations to navigate the increasingly polarized conversation on migration.

The report, developed in collaboration with Horizon 2020 projects, the European Policy Centre, and the European University Institute, serves as both a resource and a call to action for those working to foster a more informed public debate on migration issues.

Experts emphasize that effective communication on migration requires providing clear, factual, and transparent information about migration trends throughout the European Union. The report suggests that explaining complex concepts, asylum processes, and terminology—while clearly outlining the roles of EU institutions and Member States—is crucial for public understanding.

“Both positive and negative perspectives on migration tend to focus on problems rather than solutions,” notes the report. This approach fails to capture the complexity of migration and its multifaceted impact on individuals, communities, and societies.

The research highlights how emotions significantly influence public perception on migration issues. Once negative emotions are triggered, it becomes increasingly difficult to change people’s understanding of migration challenges. This emotional vulnerability is frequently exploited by populist movements to create a sense of crisis.

Social media analysis included in the report reveals a common narrative promoted by populists that positions them as defenders of public interest against a political elite portrayed as out-of-touch and ineffective. In these narratives, national political rivals, the European Commission, and the EU as a whole are characterized as incapable of managing migration effectively.

This polarized environment has created a challenging dynamic for moderate politicians, who often feel compelled to either capitalize on the same fears exploited by populists or advocate for rational, technocratic solutions that may seem disconnected from public concerns. The result is frequently a mixed narrative that acknowledges migrants as victims while simultaneously emphasizing the need to keep them away.

Of particular concern is the growing mainstream acceptance of conspiracy theories such as the “Great Replacement” theory, which portrays immigration as an “invasion” meant to replace native populations. The report cites alarming statistics showing this theory’s growing traction—a 2017 poll found 48% of French voters believed population replacement either would or might happen in France, with that number rising to 61% by 2021.

The researchers explain that such conspiracy theories provide a sense of control for individuals who feel powerless and disenfranchised. By offering simplistic explanations for complex challenges, these narratives give people a sense of agency and belonging while exploiting confusion over migration terminology and limited public understanding of asylum procedures.

The JRC report makes several practical recommendations for improving migration discourse, including having open conversations about both challenges and opportunities linked to migration, acknowledging citizens’ legitimate concerns about job competition and resource distribution, and developing balanced messages that consider diverse public opinions.

The study emphasizes the importance of frequent citizen dialogues to better understand concerns, coupled with clear explanations of migration processes and terminology. This evidence-based approach is positioned as essential for developing effective policies that address both the risks and opportunities presented by migration.

This Science for Policy Report is published alongside a technical report on public perceptions of fairness in European migration systems and an independent expert report on misinformation related to migration—both of which informed the recommendations.

As migration continues to be a complex and controversial topic across Europe, the JRC and its partners aim to ensure that public discussion remains grounded in facts and evidence-based data, providing all stakeholders with clarity regardless of political perspective.