Participation in the 10th Delphi Economic Forum

The Delphi Economic Forum in an annual event which engages political, economic, business, academic, and other thought leaders, in an effort to address emerging challenges, influence the national and regional agendas and promote sustainable and socially responsible growth policies for Europe, the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Greece.

The Forum’s 10^th edition took place in Delphi on April 9-12 2025, marking its 10-year anniversary with a shared reflection on the transformative decade that has passed.

Aris Alexopoulos, Head of the Crete Center on Population Dynamics, participated in the panel “EU Migration Policy: Balancing Security and Humanitarian Needs” with Evangelos Dioikitopoulos, Associate Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business, Susanne Raab, Austrian Member of National Council and former Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration, and Media, Notis Mitarakis, Greek MP and former Minister of Migration and Asylum, and Platon Tinios, Professor Emeritus at the University of Piraeus.

• OECD research shows that migration has reached record levels in OECD countries for the third consecutive year, including both regular and non-regular migrants. This surge has fueled widespread concern in receiving countries. As demonstrated in recent European elections, migration remains a top priority on the political agenda.
• At the same time, many OECD countries are facing widespread labour market shortages and irreversible demographic changes. No public policies can reverse population decline; the increase of labour migrants helps maintain sustained economic growth.
• In the past year, 6.8 million regular migrants have successfully integrated into OECD countries. Evidence suggests a positive correlation between efficient migration management and successful socio-economic outcomes.
• However, there is a big gap between this reality and perception and it is crucial to present more concrete evidence public discussions. Migration is part of the solution, and this needs to be communicated.
• More efficient management control of regular, documented migration and a better control of the illegal flows is needed. History has shown that when migration is managed efficiently, it consistently benefits the economy and fosters stronger economic growth.