European Migrations: Dynamics, drivers, and the role of policies

Abstract

Effective migration management needs to be underpinned by a realistic understanding of the drivers and dynamics of migration and should incorporate lessons learnt about the effects and effectiveness of past migration policies. This study draws policy implications from the analysis of the evolution of European post-war migrations. It examines the effects of internal border opening combined with the ongoing convergence of immigration rules and visa requirements in Europe. Based on the insight that migration is driven by structural factors that often lie beyond the reach of migration policies, the second part of the study looks closely at structural factors that shape migration in both origin and destination countries and assesses the extent to which polices are able to address these factors. Two key areas are analysed in more detail: the level of development in countries of origin and the structure of labour demand in destination countries. The study concludes by outlining areas for future research: the links between socioeconomic and labour market policies and migration patterns and the impacts of non-migration policies on migration patterns and trends. Understanding of the latter is particularly important as migration agendas continue to expand into policy areas such as foreign and security policy, trade, development aid, agriculture or fisheries.