According to Eurostat, data show an important increase compared with 2020 when an estimated 1.9 million immigrants to the EU from non-EU countries and about 956.000 people emigrated from the EU to a country outside the EU. In addition, 1.4 million people previously residing in one EU country migrated to another EU member in 2021 (1.2 million in 2020).

Eurostat further notes that:

• In 2021, there was an estimated 5 immigrants per 1 000 people in the EU. 
   
• Relative to the size of the resident population, Luxembourg recorded the highest rate of immigration in 2021 (almost 40 immigrants per 1 000 people), followed by Malta (35) and Cyprus (27).
   
• In contrast, Slovakia registered the lowest rate of immigration, with 1 immigrant per 1 000 people. This country was followed by Portugal and France, each with 5 immigrants per 1 000 people. 

For additional information, please read the full press release from Eurostat.