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European Union Expansion and Migration

Author

Listed:
  • Kahanec, Martin

    (Central European University)

  • Kureková, Lucia Mýtna

    (Slovak Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

This paper concisely reviews what we know about the experience of an enlarging European Union with free movement of workers within its borders. We focus on the two most recent, Eastern, enlargement waves of 2004 and 2007. We first assess the actual migration flows following the enlargements against the pre-enlargement expectations and perceptions. We then review the effects of these flows on the labor markets of receiving as well as sending countries. We conclude that the available evidence does not indicate negative effects on the receiving countries’ labor markets or welfare systems. From the sending countries’ perspective the risks of out-migration lie in skill shortages in affected occupations or sectors as well as the potential (in)stability of their public finances, whereas the potential benefits may materialize through brain circulation. Overall, free mobility can be described as one of the key achievements, and success stories, of European integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Kahanec, Martin & Kureková, Lucia Mýtna, 2011. "European Union Expansion and Migration," IZA Policy Papers 36, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izapps:pp36
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ken Clark & Stephen Drinkwater, 2008. "The labour-market performance of recent migrants," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 24(3), pages 496-517, Autumn.
    2. Paweł Kaczmarczyk & Marek Okólski, 2008. "Demographic and labour-market impacts of migration on Poland," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 24(3), pages 600-625, Autumn.
    3. Bauer, Thomas K. & Zimmermann, Klaus F., 1999. "Assessment of Possible Migration Pressure and its Labour Market Impact Following EU Enlargement to Central and Eastern Europe," IZA Research Reports 3, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    migration; effects of migration; EU enlargement; free movement of workers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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