Thematic Workshop on Circular Migration | EU-funded El-Hiwar III Project

The El Hiwar III workshop on Circular Migration: Case Study on North Africa and the European Union took place on the 18th of September 2025. It brought together representatives from the European Union (EU) and the League of Arab States (LAS).

Circular migration was discussed as a strategic model for temporary mobility that helps individuals acquire skills before returning home. This model is viewed as a potential tool for promoting social and economic growth in the MENA region.

Migration was affirmed as a key area for partnership. Cooperation is pursued through initiatives like talent partnerships, which aim for mutually beneficial outcomes for all four key stakeholders: partner countries, host countries, employers, and migrant workers.

Key challenges identified for legal migration schemes included complex visa procedures and recognition of qualifications. The EU highlighted upcoming initiatives to strengthen legal pathways, focusing on skills development, international recruitment, and comprehensive regional cooperation, such as the New Pact for the Mediterranean. These ongoing discussions on shared priorities will help inform the agenda for the next working group on migration.

For more information:

El-Hiwar III contact: elhiwar@coleurope.eu