The European Union has entered a sensitive political moment as Brussels openly questions Spain’s plan to regularise nearly half a million undocumented migrants. While Madrid asserts the policy’s humanitarian and economic benefits, officials in the European Commission argue the move clashes with broader EU migration priorities — particularly at a time when Europe’s irregular migration figures and public attitudes are in flux.
Spain’s Regularisation Plan: Break with the Norm?
Under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Spain has introduced a temporary status and work permit system for approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants who have lived in the country for at least five months and meet specific criteria. This bold policy aims to formalise workers already contributing to the economy while offering protections previously absent under their undocumented status.
Supporters say the plan:
-
Addresses labour shortages in key sectors.
-
Supports social and economic integration of long-term residents.
-
Reduces exploitation associated with informal employment.
But Brussels officials have expressed concerns that it could contradict EU principles on migration and asylum governance, particularly if such a policy is pursued unilaterally without prior consultation with other member states.
Migration Trends in the European Union
Contrary to widespread perception of rising migration, EU data shows irregular entries have fallen sharply in recent years, a key backdrop to the debates in Brussels:
Irregular Border Crossings Are Decreasing
-
Irregular crossings into the EU dropped by 38% in 2024, reaching levels not seen since 2021 before the pandemic.
-
Preliminary Frontex figures continue to show reductions in the first half of 2025, with fewer of the dangerous Mediterranean sea crossings that dominated headlines earlier in the decade.
-
In 2025, roughly 154,500 irregular arrivals were registered across EU borders, with most made via Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes.
These declines reflect a combination of EU cooperation with third countries, increased border enforcement, and deterrence strategies — though risks and deaths at sea remain tragically high.
Migration Flows Still Significant
-
Migration — both regular and irregular — is still a major demographic force: in 2023, the EU received 4.4 million immigrants from non-EU countries, the majority moving for opportunities or family reunification.
-
Net migration (immigrants minus emigrants) continues to offset natural population decline in the bloc, contributing to a record EU population of over 450 million in 2024 largely due to migration’s influence.
Asylum Trends Are Not Static
-
Overall asylum applications in the EU declined by about 11% in 2024, but nearly 1 million applications were still filed across member states.
-
Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Greece accounted for some 82% of first-time asylum claims — highlighting pressure points within the EU.
European Public Opinion: Divided but Engaged
Migration is not just a numbers game — it’s a political and social one. Public sentiment in Europe reflects complex and sometimes contradictory views on migration and EU policy:
Support for EU Cooperation
-
According to Eurobarometer polling, 67% of EU citizens support a common EU migration policy, and 75% want reinforced external borders with more European border guards and coastguard cooperation.
-
Over half of Europeans (56%) believe migrants overall make a positive contribution to their countries.
Concerns and Criticisms
-
Other surveys, including an Ipsos poll reported by Euronews, showed that about half of Europeans disapproved of the EU’s handling of migration policy and want stronger border controls.
-
In individual member states such as Ireland, while trust in the EU remains strong, immigration is rising up public concern lists — with 26% saying it is one of the top issues facing their country.
Broader EU Sentiments
-
Across 25 countries, a median of 62% of adults hold favourable views of the EU — signalling broad underlying support for the Union even amid divided attitudes toward migration.
What This Means for EU Migration Policy
Spain’s regularisation initiative has touched on deep structural questions about how the EU should:
-
Balance national sovereignty with cohesive EU governance.
-
Harmonise migration and integration policies across diverse member states.
-
Respond to demographic realities like aging populations and labour shortages.
-
Build public trust while managing political sensitivities around borders and mobility.
Policy Implications
This clash could have lasting consequences:
-
If the Spanish model is embraced or tolerated by EU institutions, other member states might pursue similar national-level regularisation schemes, potentially reshaping EU approaches to undocumented populations.
-
If Brussels pushes back and emphasises harmonisation, it may reinforce a trend toward EU-wide enforcement and border security, but with risks of political backlash among populations feeling their voices on migration aren’t being heard.
Migration at a Crossroads for Europe
The debate surrounding Spain’s migrant regularisation law is more than a Spanish affair — it reflects the broader dilemmas facing the European Union. Falling irregular migration figures, persistent bureaucratic and humanitarian challenges, and mixed public opinion mean that migration policy sits at the intersection of sovereignty, solidarity, security, and human rights.
As the European Parliament and Council engage in discussions in the coming months, policymakers will need to navigate deep public expectations for both protection and compassion, forging strategies that are effective, humane, and politically sustainable across the whole Union.
