Eight myths on the migration–development nexus that European and African policymakers need to reconsider

Migration is a political priority for the European Union (EU), as evident in the Commission's proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2021–27. It is also a major focus of the EU's relations with Africa. The fact that the word migration is used 19 times in the 13-page Final Declaration of the 5th African Union (AU)–EU Summit shows that this focus is increasingly overwhelming. While currently on- trend, migration is not a new topic in Africa–EU political discussions. On the contrary, the EU's engagement with African countries on migration dates back to the early 2000s. At the beginning, both development and security-oriented approaches were adopted. However, in recent years a shift towards security and border control has occurred. This shift has also influenced the way the migration–development nexus has been framed. As a result, a security-inspired nexus has emerged. Based on this nexus, misconceptions on migration and development have gained relevance.