Migration in Europe: challenges for integration

1. Migration in Europe:challenges for integration Enrique Fernández Macías Research Manager, Working Conditions Team European Foundation

2. Where do we come from • For centuries, Europe was the main sender of migrants in the world. • In 1950s, many European countries became immigrant societies: the booming economies of North western Europe attracted many migrants from Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. • The crisis of 1970s brought this trend to a halt: most governments became very restrictive, although the previous migrants did not leave, of course (many established with their families in NW Europe). • In the eighties, migration was reduced, although there were still flows due to family reunifications and an increase in political migration (asylum seekers). Integration started becoming a big problem: xenophobia increased in many European countries. • In the nineties, migration increased again, but the map changed completely: most new migration was directed to former sending countries, like Spain or Ireland.

3. The impact of the European Union • In respect to migration, the EU is a huge historical achievement: a (continuous) enlargement of the freedom of movement of its citizens. • Migration within EU is called “mobility”. Some paradoxes here: migration is a social problem (with ever-higher barriers), mobility is a strength (actively encouraged by institutions). With enlargement, migrants become mobile workers. • In terms of regulation and law, the distinction between migrants and mobile workers is relevant: in terms of integration, it is quite artificial (increasingly, with enlargements). • The free movement within the EU means that there is a drive for coordination, not very developed until now but probably to be deepened

4. Migration in the EU in the last 20 years

5. Evolution of migration in four big countries

6. The current situation: proportion ofnon-nationals per country

7. The current situation: EU migrants by country (2005)

8. The future? • Demographic projections show an ageing (and eventual decline) of the EU population, what might mean difficulties for the sustainability of the social and economic system. More migration will not solve the problem, but will certainly help. • The success of the EU project means an increasing pressure of illegal migration, specially in the fringes (now South, very soon East). • With subsequent enlargements, the distinction between “mobile workers” and “migrants” will become even more artificial.

9. The integration of migrants in Europe: challenges ahead • In some countries, migration has led to racism and xenophobia. Specially when the economic situation is difficult, migrants tend to become scapegoats. • Previous waves of migration were not accompanied by integration measures, as it was (wrongly) assumed that it would be temporary (guest workers). Current waves should have in-built integration measures. • The main challenge will probably be illegal migration, which very often has been the unintended result of restrictive measures. Illegal migration is very harmful for the receiving societies and for the migrants themselves. • Integration is not only a challenge for current and future migration: a lot has to be done still regarding the integration of existing migrants (including second and third generations)

10. Research by the Foundation • Current projects: • Integration of migrants in European cities • Geographic and labour market mobility in Europe • Previous research: • Migration trends in an enlarged EU (2004) • Migration and industrial relations in Europe (2003) • Compendium of good practice for the prevention of racism at the workplace (1997)

11. Thank you