International student mobility plays a vital role in Europe’s relations with its neighbours. In 2023, 1.76 million non-EU learners studied in the EU, representing 8.4% of all tertiary students, and the EU aims for 23% of graduates to gain mobility experience by 2030.
Mobility across the Mediterranean is also growing—from 0.6 to 0.77 million students between 2017 and 2022—though significant imbalances persist, with Southern Mediterranean countries sending far more students than they receive. Evidence shows mobility strengthens skills and employability, with over 90% of young Europeans reporting improved language and problem-solving abilities, highlighting the need for more inclusive and balanced mobility systems across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Against this backdrop, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) welcomes the European Commission’s New Pact of the Mediterranean as a significant opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean through education, mobility, and innovation. The Pact’s people-centred approach, especially its focus on higher education, skills, and youth, aligns closely with ESN’s mission to promote inclusive and reciprocal student mobility. ESN views the initiative as a chance to create a truly shared Mediterranean space where universities collaborate as equal partners, mobility flows are balanced, and qualifications are transparently recognised. To achieve this, the Pact must ensure equitable access, capacity-building for Southern institutions, and meaningful participation of students and youth organisations in governance and programme design.
Linking education with employability, innovation, and research is essential to ensure that mobility translates into real opportunities and social impact. ESN emphasises that implementation will be key: clear frameworks for recognition, simplified visa processes, and robust quality assurance are needed to turn ambition into action. By involving students directly and fostering collaboration among Mediterranean universities, the Pact can transform political vision into tangible outcomes for young people, supporting a more connected, inclusive, and innovative Euro-Mediterranean region.
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