Is it true that anchoring the public debate about migrations to numbers and data helps tone down the fiercest and more stereotyped arguments? Not always. 

Data have so far failed to counter a polarised and often violent narrative. Rather than supporting an informed debate, numerical data have, to some extent, dehumanised migrants.

Eurobarometer (2022) surveyed Europeans on their perceptions about migrations. Two out of three (68%) people overestimated the number of third country nationals in their country. And only around one third (34%) of Europeans consider themselves well informed about migration and integration.