Abstract

A fundamental question is whether, and to what extent, migrant diversity – of different origin and socio-economic capabilities – may be seen as a potentially positive contributor to economic welfare, and to what extent it influences socio-economic disparity. Migration as such is an ‘old’ phenomenon, but has in recent years gained new meaning and significance within Europe, which has become a major immigration region of the world. During the last three decades, the foreign born population has increased more in Europe than in any other part of the world. At the same time, migration flows have become increasingly diverse in socio-economic and ethnic-cultural terms. Recently, the global economic downturn is starting to lower immigration, in some cases increase return migration, and impact differentially on migrants and communities (e.g., Papademetriou and Terrazas, 2009). Such trends are profoundly affecting population size and composition of the regions and nations in Europe, with potentially significant consequences for economic development and the welfare state. Immigration may create unprecedented opportunities for host countries, but has also prompted serious concerns. The proposed research project addresses in particular the immigration impacts on the labour market, but also the broader socio-economic consequences in terms of income, personal wellbeing, regional development, and welfare policy. A careful distinction will be made between short-run and long-run impacts. The project assesses the extent to which the scale of migration and the diversity of migrant populations affect socio-economic outcomes in host European sub-national and cross-border regions. Since migrants disproportionally settle in certain regions and particularly in certain metropolitan areas, it is imperative to conduct analysis at the regional level, while not losing sight of implications for national welfare and policy within a pan-European political economy framework. Indeed, EU policies to enhance social and economic progress and reduce uneven outcomes need to be supported by a solid quantitative analysis of the backgrounds, composition and impacts of international migration flows, both within the EU and in the rest of the world.