In the framework of the programme EUROMED Migration IV, ICMPD is developing together with the Observatory on Public Attitudes on Migration (OPAM – EUI) a study in three chapters entitled “Impact of Public Attitudes to migration on the political environment in the Euro-Mediterranean region”.

In this chapter - the first of three, which will respectively focus on Europe, South Partner Countries and a final one on recommendations - it is considered how and why the dramatic changes in the salience of immigration in recent years have changed European politics. A comprehensive theoretical framework to explain these trends in salience is developed, specifying the respective and interactive roles of public policy, ‘real-world’ migration events and trends, media and politicians, before adducing evidence that supports this framework. A case study on how salience has affected past European Parliamentary elections is presented to analyse possible electoral results of the upcoming elections.