Public debate on migration in Europe is often framed in polarised and emotive terms. Yet decades of comparative survey evidence suggest that public attitudes towards immigration are more nuanced, internally consistent, and—contrary to common assumptions—remarkably stable over time. 

This Lunch Bites seminar explores what Europeans think about immigration, drawing on long‑running survey data across EU member states. It examines how attitudes vary across contexts and issue areas, and why shifts in political debate often reflect changes in salience, framing, and political competition more than sudden changes in public opinion itself. 

The discussion will also consider how public attitudes interact with political narratives and electoral dynamics, shaping policy outcomes and public debate at both national and European levels. What role do political entrepreneurs, media framing, and moments of crisis play in activating immigration as a salient issue? And how do these dynamics influence policymaking in practice? 

Bringing together perspectives from European politics, migration research, and policymaking, the seminar will reflect on what these insights mean for the future of Europe. It will explore how policymakers, political actors, and communicators can better understand—and more effectively engage with—public opinion on one of the continent’s most consequential and contested issues. 

Learn more about the Migration Research to Policy CoLab. 

Speakers

• James Dennison (Migration Policy Centre, RSCAS, EUI)
• Fabienne Keller (European Parliament)