A JRC Science for Policy report   on  Population dynamics and education for a shared Mediterranean future offers a comprehensive overview of demographic and migration trends, as well as the challenges and opportunities related to human capital and education, in the Southern Mediterranean region.

Supporting the Pact for the Mediterranean published today, the report provides evidence-based insights to guide the Pact’s implementation and strengthen sustainable cooperation between the EU and its Southern Mediterranean partners. 

It highlights how population dynamics, mobility and learning outcomes are closely interlinked, and how investing in people is essential to strengthening competitiveness and unlocking potential for growth and stability across the region.

The report highlights the potential win–win benefits of expanding education and labour migration pathways.

Such initiatives could help the EU address labour shortages while creating positive effects for Southern Mediterranean countries, including through remittances, knowledge transfer and reduced labour market pressure.

The authors also highlight the 2025-2035 decade as a critical period for Southern Mediterranean countries to invest in education and human capital.

During this time, many countries in the region are expected to experience a favourable demographic balance, with a relatively young and large working-age population and fewer dependents per worker.

This demographic shift creates a strong potential for these countries to harness a "demographic dividend", where the growing workforce and reduced dependency ratio can lead to increased economic productivity and growth.

To fully capitalise on this opportunity, it is essential for these countries to invest in education and skills development. This will help young people gain the knowledge and abilities needed to drive economic development and prosperity. 

As part of this effort, a Mediterranean University will be created to connect students from every shore of the Mediterranean. Existing technical and vocational education and training ecosystems will also be scaled up.

Finally, the report indicates that the young and growing population in the Southern Mediterranean will continue to shape migration potential, but other factors such as economic conditions, conflicts and border policies, will ultimately determine the eventual translation of such potential into actual migratory movements.

Pact for the Mediterranean – One Sea, One Pact, One Future – a shared ambition for the region

Commission press release