Immigration provides Europe with an opportunity. The arrival every year of some 1.6 million immigrants provides an answer to the challenges for Europe presented by the decline in population and economic growth. Immigration to Europe is not, however, without its dangers: illegal immigration networks often are accompanied by trafficking and trade in human beings and by the exploitation and violation of rights. Immigration is therefore a reality which must me managed in an efficient and balanced way in close partnership with the countries of origin and transit. This is why the European Union is implementing with its partners to the South and East a global approach to the complex issue of migration This has led the European Union to establish partnerships with countries of origin and transit countries to encourage legal immigration to Europe. This strategy is also designed to promote legal migration, to fight illegal immigration networks and to highlight the link between migration and development in the countries of origin. At the Ministerial Conference on ‘Building migration partnerships’ to be held on 27 and 28 April in Prague, the European Commission will be launching a new report dealing with cooperation between the European Union and neighbouring countries on migration management. The report focuses on the East-West migration route, and more particularly on the Ukraine and Moldova.