Migration remains an opportunity for Europe, Spanish economy minister tells Euronews

Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told Euronews that migration remains an economic opportunity for the European Union, even as the debate around it is hijacked by "false narratives" that keep public perception disconnected from reality.

Asked if the debate around migration has a racist undertone, he told Euronews' 12 Minutes With that in some cases it does, and that this should be combated by presenting data rather than political slogans.

Spain is one of the fastest growing economies in the eurozone, expected to see growth of 2.9% this year – almost triple the growth rates of Germany, France and Italy combined.

"When you look at the Spanish case, our experience with migration has been positive," Cuerpo said. "Whether you look at it in absolute terms or per capita, data shows they are contributing positively to the Spanish economy."

Research by the Bank of Spain published earlier this year suggested that the foreign-born population working in Spain had contributed between 0.4 and 0.7 percentage points to Spain's gross domestic per capita, averaging 2.9% between 2022 and 2024.

Migration has become a toxic issue for the EU, which is grappling with an ageing population and labour shortages but also faces political pushback from groups demanding tougher rules to combat irregular migration.

Conservative and far right parties are also calling for faster repatriations for who anyone who is not legally allowed to stay in the EU and closer monitoring of asylum and family reunification requests.

Earlier this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who hails from the European People's Party and the German CDU, said that only Europeans should "decide who comes to Europe and crosses our borders, and under what circumstances". She also said the EU would introduce a new sanctions mechanism for human traffickers.

While migration can be both legal or irregular, both are often placed under the same umbrella in political discourse. Cuerpo said there is a disconnect between public perception about migration and the data behind it, amplified by false narratives.

He cited a survey in Spain in which participants said the number of migrants and the number of migrants receiving state benefits was double the actual share.

"There was a clear disconnect between the data and the perception," he said, adding that more focus should be placed on integration policies.

Earlier this week, EU interior ministers agreed a sweeping overhaul of migration rules which could establish return hubs for migrations to countries outside the EU, whether countries of origin or simply transit countries.

Cuerpo has been Economy Minister since 2024 in the Spanish government, which is one of the few progressive administrations currently in government in the EU. He said Madrid is setting an example of how to do politics differently.

"There is a very strong case for us to send a positive message on narratives that are being turned into something negative. Migration being one."

12 Minutes With...Carlos Cuerpo will be broadcast on Euronews on 12 December