Background information

The Global Approach to Migration and Mobility (GAMM) is, since 2005, the overarching framework of the EU external migration and asylum policy and defines how the EU conducts its political dialogue and operational cooperation with non-EU countries. It is based on clearly defined priorities which reflect the strategic objectives of the EU, and is embedded in the EU’s overall foreign policy, including development cooperation.

The GAMM aims to foster the dialogue and cooperation with non-EU partner countries in four areas: better organising legal migration and fostering well-managed mobility; preventing and combating irregular migration and eradicating trafficking in human beings; maximising the development impact of migration; and promoting international protection and enhancing the external dimension of asylum.

The GAMM is implemented through regional and bilateral policy dialogues (with policy tools such as Mobility Partnerships); legal instruments such as visa facilitation and readmission agreements; operational support and capacity building; as well as a wide range of programme and project support (available to numerous stakeholders, including civil society, migrant associations and international organisations).

Report on the implementation of the GAMM 2012-2013

The report shows that in 2012 and 2013 important steps have been taken towards a more consolidated, coherent external migration and asylum policy. Significant progress has been made in strengthening political relations with third countries and regions, e.g. the Southern Mediterranean countries, and the Eastern Partnership countries. Actions were also undertaken to contribute to institutional and legislative reforms and capacity building in partner countries. In particular the Mobility Partnerships have proved to be a sophisticated bilateral framework to address migration and asylum issues in a way that makes cooperation mutually beneficial.

But more work needs to be done to improve the existing frameworks, initiatives and tools. It will for example be necessary to look at some of the existing dialogue processes, making them more effective, operative and balanced with regard to the thematic priorities. 

In addition to this, the existing external migration and asylum policy and tools could be better exploited, including to enhance the attractiveness of the EU and strengthen its economy. The issue of labour migration will become even more prominent in the coming years and the role of the Mobility Partnerships could be emphasised in this regard (e.g. by facilitating the exchange of students or professionals, enhancing migration management capacities in non-EU countries, introducing circular migration programmes, strengthening social protection of legal migrants, addressing where appropriate portability of social rights, etc.).

More information in the Report on the implementation of the GAMM 2012-2013.