Making Migration Work

This publication explores the evolving dynamics of labor migration in the EU, particularly following significant expansions. Making Migration Work addresses future policy implications.

In recent years, the landscape of labor migration within the European Union (EU) has undergone significant transformations. The book Making Migration Work delves into these changes, highlighting not only the increasing duration that labor migrants are spending abroad but also the evolving nature, scale, and direction of migration flows. The enlargements of the EU in 2004 and 2007 played a pivotal role in shaping these dynamics, as a growing economy coupled with substantial wage disparities prompted many workers from the new Member States to seek opportunities in the older member countries.

The analysis presented in Making Migration Work emphasizes the implications of these shifts for future labor migration patterns. It explores how the EU's open internal borders have facilitated not just the movement of workers but also their ability to return home or transition to other member states with relative ease. This fluidity has significant consequences for both the migrants themselves and the economies of the countries involved.

Furthermore, the publication discusses the pressing need for policymakers to adapt to these evolving trends. It calls for a comprehensive approach that considers the diverse experiences of migrants and the economic realities of both sending and receiving countries. By addressing these challenges, Making Migration Work aims to provide insights into how labor migration can be effectively managed to benefit all parties involved.