While several European Union (EU) member states are calling for reduced immigration, particularly in the face of the rise in popularity of right-wing political parties, Spain is taking a different position. The Spanish government believes that, faced with an ageing population, controlled immigration is necessary to support the country’s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2024, more than 42,000 illegal migrants arrived in Spain, marking a significant increase of two-thirds compared to the previous year. The majority of these migrants land in the Canary Islands, located more than 100 kilometers from the African coast, despite the deadly dangers of this crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spain, like many Western countries, is facing a drastic decline in its birth rate, with a record figure of 1.2 children per woman in 2023, one of the lowest in Europe. In this context, immigration appears to be a crucial element to compensate for the lack of labor and maintain economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stressed the importance of immigration at an EU summit, saying Spain’s economic and social future depended on managing migration flows to address demographic challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, in a climate of rising far-right parties in Europe, many EU member states are calling for tighter border controls. Spain, while defending the need for immigration, is trying to strike a balance between security and integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus Verdu Baeza, a law professor at the University of Cadiz, recalls the importance of migrants for the Spanish economy. Without them, some essential sectors such as agriculture would be seriously affected, stressing that the economic viability of the country depends largely on this workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In its approach, Spain is developing a “strategy for Africa”, focused on the economic and social transformation of the continent. This plan aims to facilitate legal immigration while curbing the arrival of illegal migrants. Spain is also calling for greater involvement of the Frontex agency to patrol the African coasts and intercept dangerous boats before they reach Spanish shores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spain, in opposition to certain European trends, sees immigration as an opportunity to overcome the economic and demographic challenges it faces. Despite the risks and obstacles, the dream of a better life in Europe continues to push thousands of migrants to undertake perilous crossings to the Spanish coast. The future will depend on the ability of Spain and Europe to reconcile the control of migratory flows with the integration of new arrivals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A divergent position within the European Union While several European Union (EU) member states are calling for reduced immigration, particularly in the face of the rise in popularity of right-wing political parties, Spain is taking a different position. The Spanish government believes that, faced with an ageing population, controlled immigration is necessary to support the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-africa","category-policy"],"yoast_head":"\n