Progressive Migration Group – Brussels

Migration remains central to the African–European partnership. While most African migration takes place within the continent, Europe has historically been the second main destination, making mobility a shared policy priority. Demographic change, economic pressures, poverty and conflicts further underscore the importance of balanced cooperation.

At the Seventh AU–EU Summit in Luanda in November 2025, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a human-centred approach grounded in shared responsibility, human rights and international law, alongside joint action against trafficking and expanded legal pathways for study and work.

Yet realities on the ground diverge from these commitments. Restrictive policies, externalisation measures and an emphasis on returns continue to limit safe and legal routes, while anti-migrant narratives dominate public debate and migrant rights remain insufficiently protected.

In this context, FEPS in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and the Fondazione Socialismo ETS, are advancing forward-looking, evidence-based recommendations through the Progressive Migration Group (PMG). The Progressive Migration Group (PMG) is a network of African and European migration experts established by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. 

Building on expert discussions in Addis Ababa and Nairobi, and on engagements in Rome and Amsterdam in 2025, the February 2026 Brussels visit will focus on actionable proposals to strengthen AU–EU dialogue, expand genuine legal labour pathways, and address emerging priorities, including the climate–security nexus in migration governance.

Discussions will focus on expanding genuine legal pathways for labour migration, examining how visa systems, bilateral labour agreements and mobility schemes function in practice –and how they can better align skills, labour market needs and human rights standards. Participants will also reflect on the future of AU–EU migration cooperation, exploring how to strengthen mutual agenda-setting, multilateralism and respect for African priorities. The programme further includes a learning space for the PMG on the nexus between climate and migration. 

By fostering open dialogue and actionable recommendations, the PMG aims to help reframe AU–EU migration cooperation around shared responsibility, safe mobility and long-term partnership.

For more information regarding the project and this event, please do not hesitate to contact Hedwig Giusto, FEPS  Head of the International Programmes  (hedwig.giusto@feps-europe.eu) or Julia Wild, FEPS Project Officer (julia.wild@feps-europe.eu).