As the EU is shaping its common migration policy and developing legal tools in this area, the phenomenon of migration is becoming increasingly important in the EU-LAC strategic partnership. At the last EU-LAC Summit in Lima (2008) our regions committed themselves to taking forward our structured and comprehensive dialogue on migration.

Migration has become a regular topic in our bi-regional dialogue. Individually, too, both regions are addressing the subject of migration at the highest levels: Our respective agendas have a lot in common, as the complex phenomenon of migration, in particular poverty-induced migration, has become one of the most visible challenges posed by globalisation. However, if well-managed, migration might rather be seen as an opportunity that can bring substantial benefits both to the countries of origin and the countries of destination of migrants.

Three EU-LAC expert meetings on migration have taken place to date: in Quito (Ecuador) in 2004 , in Cartagena (Colombia) in 2006 [228 KB] and in Brussels in 2008. These meetings have produced recommendations that were taken on board in the respective EU-LAC Summit Declarations. They addressed the treatment, rights and integration of migrants; the facilitation of the transfer of migrant remittances; new approaches to migration policies; joint efforts to address irregular migration; and strengthening the fight against the smuggling of and trafficking in human beings.

Both regions are currently actively involved in further developing their dialogue on migration as well as enhancing cooperation in this area using the various instruments available such as the Aeneas Programme [65 KB] and the Thematic Cooperation Programme with Third Countries in the Development Aspects of Migration and Asylum.

The European Commission considers these efforts a priority in its relations with the region.