A report examined the consequences for the European Union of global social trends. It identified relevant trends that included: a new global middle class; population growth and ageing; employment and the labour market; and migration. It said many trends were uncertain and would be influenced by external factors. It outlined how the analysis could inform the ongoing work of the European Union.
Source: Stijn Hoorens, Jeremy Ghez, Benoit Guerin, Daniel Schweppenstedde, Tess Hellgren, Veronika Horvath, Marlon Graf, Barbara Janta, Sam Drabble, and Svitlana Kobzar, Europe s Societal Challenges: An analysis of global societal trends to 2030 and their impact on the EU, RAND Corporation
Links: Report | Summary | Rand press release
Date: 2013-Dec
A think-tank report examined the potential impact of migration to the United Kingdom from Romania and Bulgaria when temporary restrictions on working rights were lifted in 2014. It said that patterns of migration would differ from those seen following European Union expansion in 2004, and the main likely challenges would be increased demand for housing and public services, and language needs. Recommendations included: the creation of a cabinet-level committee on the impacts of European Union migration; annual assessment of the labour market, social, and public service impacts of EEA migration; the availability of a contingency fund to respond to short-term pressures in the first six months of 2014; and the development of a strategy for Roma inclusion, in line with European Commission recommendations.
Source: Alex Glennie and Jenny Pennington, In Transition: Romanian And Bulgarian migration to the UK, Institute for Public Policy Research
Links: Report | IPPR press release | BBC report | Inside Housing report
Date: 2013-Dec
A paper examined the social security rules of European Union member states and the opportunities and challenges for providing greater clarity and ease of movement between countries.
Source: Meghan Benton, Reaping the Benefits? Social security coordination for mobile EU citizens, Migration Policy Institute
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Nov
A paper examined the fiscal impact of immigration on the United Kingdom economy. It said that migrants, and particularly those from countries in the European Economic Area, had made an overall positive net contribution to the UK's fiscal system. The paper also said that migrants who had arrived since 2000 were less likely to receive benefits and less likely to live in social housing than people born in the UK.
Source: Christian Dustmann and Tommaso Frattini, The Fiscal Effects of Immigration to the UK, Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (University College London)
Links: Report | CReAM press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2013-Nov
A report examined the ways in which the lack of immigration status was an obstacle to children and young people accessing their basic rights and entitlements, and the difficulties faced in regularizing their status. Obstacles included: lack of awareness of legal rights; complexity of the immigration rules; poor quality information; lack of access to legal advice and representation, and restricted legal aid; reluctance of legal representatives to take on certain cases; and application fees for Home Office applications. The report described children being left 'in limbo' without leave to remain or access to services, while at the same time unable to leave the United Kingdom.
Source: Kamena Dorling, Growing Up In A Hostile Environment: The rights of undocumented migrant children in the UK, Coram Children s Legal Centre
Date: 2013-Nov
An article examined the system of employment and financial support for asylum-seekers, and the balance between the United Kingdom's human rights obligations and the 'democratic desire' to exclude asylum-seekers.
Source: Katie Bales, 'Universal credit: not so universal? Deconstructing the impact of the asylum support system', Journal of Social Welfare & Family Law, Online first
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Nov
The Prime Minister said that government policy on migration from the European Union would change. He said that migrants' benefits entitlements would be restricted, and that those who were begging or sleeping rough would be removed and barred from re-entry for 12 months unless they were able to evidence a reason for re-entry. He also announced an increase in the fine for those employing people at below the minimum wage.
Source: David Cameron, 26 November 2013, Financial Times,
Links: Article | FEANTSA press release | BBC report I | BBC report II | Civitas report | Guardian report | Independent report | Inside Housing report
Date: 2013-Nov
A report by a committee of MPs said that the Border Agency still had a significant backlog of cases. The report also noted concerns about some aspects of the Immigration Bill.
Source: The Work of the UK Border Agency (January March 2013), Eighth Report (Session 2013–14), HC 616, House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, TSO
Links: Report | Guardian report
Date: 2013-Nov
A paper examined the issue of European Union border controls. It discussed the technologies that were deployed at the external borders, and how new technologies, such as those based on automation and biometrics, were transforming the principles behind the controls. It examined how this affected entry into the European Union, and the proposals for new technologies that were now emerging from European Union institutions.
Source: Elspeth Guild and Sergio Carrera, EU Borders and Their Controls: Preventing unwanted movement of people in Europe?, Centre for European Policy Studies (Brussels)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Nov
An article said that the putative 'whiteness' of recent east European migrants had not exempted them from the effects of racism: but less attention had been focused on how they were also perpetrators of racism, wielding 'race' to assert and defend their relatively privileged position in the labour market.
Source: Jon Fox, 'The uses of racism: whitewashing new Europeans in the UK', Ethnic and Racial Studies, Volume 36 Number 11
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Oct
A paper provided an overview of the academic literature and European Union research on the criminalization of migration in Europe.
Source: Joanna Parkin, The Criminalisation of Migration in Europe: A state-of-the-art of the academic literature and research, Paper in Liberty and Security in Europe 61, Centre for European Policy Studies (Brussels)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Oct
A report said that in most European Union countries, EU citizens from other member states used welfare benefits no more intensively than the host country's nationals. Economically inactive citizens accounted for a very small share of beneficiaries of special non-contributory cash benefits (funded from general taxation). Employment remained the key driver for intra-EU migration, with activity rates among such migrants having risen over the previous 7 years.
Source: ICF GHK and Milieu Ltd, A Fact Finding Analysis on the Impact on the Member States' Social Security Systems of the Entitlements of Non-Active Intra-EU Migrants to Special Non-Contributory Cash Benefits and Healthcare Granted on the Basis of Residence, European Commissionn
Links: Report | EC press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2013-Oct
An article examined the multiple purposes of citizenship regimes in Europe. It said that previous studies had focused nearly exclusively on the access to citizenship for immigrants, leading to an incomplete perspective.
Source: Maarten Peter Vink and Rainer Baubock, 'Citizenship configurations: analysing the multiple purposes of citizenship regimes in Europe', Comparative European Politics, Volume 11 Issue 5
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Oct
A paper said that there was 'strong empirical evidence' in Europe that states with inclusive naturalization policies also tended to be inclusive in terms of extending rights to foreigners in diverse areas of public life, such as political participation, anti-discrimination, education, labour market access, and family reunion. Naturalization policies were one of the best predicators of a state's overall approach to integration. Exclusive naturalization policies signalled the lack of an inclusive immigrant integration agenda.
Source: Thomas Huddleston and Maarten Peter Vink, Membership and/or Rights? Analysing the link between naturalisation and integration policies for immigrants in Europe, Policy Paper 2013/15, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute (Florence)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Sep
An article examined the gap between the unionization rate of local and migrant workers in 14 western European countries. The lower unionization rate of migrant workers could be attributed only in part to the impact of labour market segregation. Moreover, the gap between the unionization rate of local and migrant workers varied substantially across countries. This gap was larger in those countries in which unions enjoyed organizational security in the form of either state financing or a single dominant confederation.
Source: Anastasia Gorodzeisky and Andrew Richards, 'Trade unions and migrant workers in western Europe', European Journal of Industrial Relations, Volume 19 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Sep
A study examined how European states regulated the acquisition of citizenship, and the impact of citizenship on the socio-economic and political participation of immigrants.
Source: Rainer Baubock, Iseult Honohan, Thomas Huddleston, Derek Hutcheson, Jo Shaw, and Maarten Peter Vink, Access to Citizenship and its Impact on Immigrant Integration: European summary and standards, European Commission
Links: Report | MPG press release
Date: 2013-Sep
A new book examined integration efforts towards Europe s Romani populations.
Source: Morag Goodwin and Paul De Hert, European Roma Integration Efforts: A Snapshot, ASP (Academic & Scientific Publishers)
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Sep
A new book examined the political impact of extreme right parties (including the British National Party) on immigration politics in Britain, France, and Italy.
Source: Joao Carvalho, Impact of Extreme Right Parties on Immigration Policy: Comparing Britain, France and Italy, Routledge
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Sep
A report examined the relationship between migration and social benefits in European Union member states. It analyzed controversies over whether migration constituted a disproportionate burden to member states' domestic labour markets and welfare systems; whether non-citizens should be entitled to social benefits in the state where they lived; and whether there was such a thing as 'social welfare tourism', whereby migrants were attracted to countries that provided more generous welfare.
Source: Elspeth Guild, Sergio Carrera, and Katharina Eisele (eds), Social Benefits and Migration: A contested relationship and policy challenge in the EU, Centre for European Policy Studies (Brussels)
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Sep
A paper examined the legal provisions for the naturalization of foreign residents of European countries. Most countries' procedures contained as many obstacles as opportunities for ordinary naturalization. Promotional measures were often missing or of poor quality. Legal exemptions for documentation rarely existed on humanitarian or vulnerability grounds. Most procedures involved potentially long processing times and some amount of bureaucracy, especially when the deciding authority was the executive or legislature.
Source: Thomas Huddleston, The Naturalisation Procedure: Measuring the ordinary obstacles and opportunities for immigrants to become citizens, Policy Paper 2013/16, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute (Florence)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Sep
A report examined ways of monitoring the integration of immigrants in Europe, and of evaluating integration policies. It considered factors such as the characteristics of the immigrant population, the general context in the country, and national integration policies, in relation to societal integration outcomes in areas such as employment, education, social inclusion, and active citizenship.
Source: Thomas Huddleston, Jan Niessen, and Jasper Dag Tjaden, Using EU Indicators of Immigrant Integration, European Commission
Date: 2013-Aug
A paper examined research evidence on the employment effects of active labour market programmes on immigrants in Europe. It was found that only wage subsidies in the private sector could be confidently recommended to policy-makers. Most studies found that training, job-search assistance, and public-sector employment all produced 'insignificant' benefits.
Source: Sebastian Butschek and Thomas Walter, What Active Labour Market Programmes Work for Immigrants in Europe? A meta-analysis of the evaluation literature, Discussion Paper 13-056, Centre for European Economic Research (Mannheim)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Aug
An article examined the widespread perception of a wholesale 'retreat' from multiculturalism in Europe, with governments replacing it with a strong emphasis on civic integration. It presented an index of the strength of multicultural policies for European countries and several traditional countries of immigration at three points in time (1980, 2000, and 2010). The results showed that although a small number of countries, including most notably the Netherlands, had weakened established multicultural policies during the 2000s, such a shift was the exception. Most countries that had adopted multicultural approaches had maintained them, and a significant number of countries had added new ones.
Source: Keith Banting and Will Kymlicka, 'Is there really a retreat from multiculturalism policies? New evidence from the multiculturalism policy index', Comparative European Politics, Volume 11 Issue 5
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Aug
An article examined the effects of aggregate immigration flows on the subjective well-being of native-born populations in a panel of 26 European countries between 2002 and 2010. Recent immigrant flows had had a non-linear, yet overall positive, impact on the well-being of natives, with the largest effects coming from immigrant flows arriving in the previous year. The effects were small in magnitude and in practical application: only large immigrant flows would affect native well-being significantly.
Source: William Betz and Nicole Simpson, 'The effects of international migration on the well-being of native populations in Europe', IZA Journal of Migration, Volume 2
See also: William Betz and Nicole Simpson, The Effects of International Migration on the Well-Being of Native Populations in Europe, Discussion Paper 7368, Institute for the Study of Labor (Bonn)
Date: 2013-Jul
An article highlighted inconsistencies and gaps in policies on social cohesion in Europe. The problem of social cohesion had little to do with the issues of immigration or immigrant and minority-ethnic integration. There was a need for a more coherent, integrated, and multi-level governance policy framework based on social justice, socio-economic equality, and cultural diversity to achieve the elusive goal of social cohesion in Europe.
Source: Gerard Boucher, 'European social cohesions', Patterns of Prejudice, Volume 47 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Jul
A paper examined the relative contributions of migrant and native households to welfare states in Europe. Most differences in welfare receipt by native and migrant households were explained by observable characteristics such as size of the household, as well as the age and education of its head. In contrast, significantly lower net contributions of migrant households to state budgets persisted in many countries even after controlling for observable factors, primarily due to lower tax payments by migrant households. Selective migration and sound integration policies, as well as policies avoiding marginalization of migrants in informal labour markets, were the most effective means to avoid the fiscal burdens of migration.
Source: Peter Huber and Doris Oberdabernig, Does Migration Threaten the Sustainability of European Welfare States?, Working Paper 21, WWWforEurope Project (European Commission)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Jul
A paper examined the 'welfare magnet' hypothesis (according to which migrants with a high likelihood of claiming benefits clustered in the most generous welfare systems) using data from the European Union for the period 2004-2011. In contrast to the hypothesis, it was found that welfare state variables did not significantly affect migration flows when controlling for temporary political restrictions on freedom of movement. Evidence was also found that the restrictions completely offset the incentive effects of work-related pull factors, and thereby hampered an efficient allocation of labour across national borders.
Source: Christoph Skupnik, 'Welfare Magnetism' in the EU-15? Why the EU enlargement did not start a race to the bottom of welfare states, Discussion Paper Economics 2013/8, School of Business & Economics, Freie Universitat Berlin
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Jul
An article presented a theoretically based, multidimensional, and comparable measurement of social cohesion, applicable in 47 European countries/regions.
Source: Paul Dickes and Marie Valentova, 'Construction, validation and application of the measurement of social cohesion in 47 European countries and regions', Social Indicators Research, Volume 113 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Jul
A report called for action to address the poverty and social exclusion faced by children in Europe who had, or whose parents had, an irregular migration status.
Source: Child Poverty and Well-Being: Spotlight on the situation of migrant children in Cyprus and the EU, Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants
Links: Report | PICUM press release
Date: 2013-Jun
A paper examined how immigration flows affected the happiness, or subjective well-being, of the native-born population in Europe. Recent inflows were found to have had a non-linear, yet overall positive, impact on the well-being of natives – although the effects were very small in magnitude.
Source: William Betz and Nicole Simpson, The Effects of International Migration on the Well-Being of Native Populations in Europe, Discussion Paper 7368, Institute for the Study of Labor (Bonn)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-May
A paper examined changing European welfare states and their incorporation of migrants in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It considered the contexts through which migrants' entitlement to, or exclusion from, key welfare state provisions could be explained. It also provided a broad overview of migrants' social rights within a wider analysis of the processes of reform that, it said, European welfare states needed to tackle.
Source: Anton Hemerijck, Trineke Palm, Eva Entenmann, and Franca van Hooren, Changing European Welfare States and the Evolution of Migrant Incorporation Regimes, The Impact of Restrictions and Entitlements on the Integration of Family Migrants (European Union project)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-May
A paper examined the relationship between migrants' destination choices and the formal labour market access accorded by multiple potential host countries in the context of the European Union's eastward enlargement. Migrants were found to be attracted to destinations that gave them greater formal labour market access, and migration flows to any given destination were influenced by the labour market policies of competing destinations.
Source: John Palmer and Mariola Pytlikova, Labor Market Laws and Intra-European Migration: The role of the state in shaping destination choices, Discussion Paper 11/13, Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (University College London)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-May
An article examined the theoretical reasons for believing that feminism and anti-racism could be regarded as fighting for the joint purpose of anti-discrimination in Europe, and the empirical evidence that might be found for such a joint approach.
Source: Helene Pristed Nielsen, 'Joint purpose? Intersectionality in the hands of anti-racist and gender equality activists in Europe', Ethnicities, Volume 13 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-May
A new book examined public discourse on race in Europe, focusing on the position of Muslims in the United Kingdom.
Source: Katy Sian, Ian Law, and Salman Sayyid, Racism, Governance, and Public Policy: Beyond human rights, Routledge
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-May
A new book examined recent developments in European migration politics. It highlighted the role of political parties as key societal actors; the multiple institutional levels on which migration policy-making played itself out; and how political ideas and societal discourse, economic interests, and public attitudes figured prominently in shaping the adoption, implementation, and public perception of immigration and integration policy measures.
Source: Umut Korkut, Gregg Bucken-Knapp, Aidan McGarry, Jonas Hinnfors, and Helen Drake (eds), The Discourses and Politics of Migration in Europe, Palgrave Macmillan
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-May
An article examined why levels of 'welfare chauvinism' differed among welfare regimes in Europe. Native populations in liberal and conservative welfare regimes were more reluctant to distribute welfare services to immigrants than those in social-democratic ones. Neither differences in the selectivity nor differences in employment protection and unemployment levels could explain this. Instead, regime differences in welfare chauvinism could be fully attributed to their differences in income inequality.
Source: Jeroen Van Der Waal, Willem De Koster, and Wim Van Oorschot, 'Three worlds of welfare chauvinism? How welfare regimes affect support for distributing welfare to immigrants in Europe', Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice, Volume 15 Issue 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-May
A new book examined the dynamics of contemporary immigrant inflows and integration in Europe. It analyzed the long-term transition that countries underwent from net emigration to net immigration, as well as developments in their migrant inflows, integration, and policy.
Source: Marek Okolski (ed.), European Immigrations: Trends, structures and policy implications, Amsterdam University Press
Links: Text of book
Date: 2013-Apr
An article examined whether and how changes in countries' unemployment benefit spending affected immigration to the European Union. One method of analysis suggested the existence of a moderate within-country welfare magnet effect for inflows of non-EU immigrants: but another approach suggested that the impact was substantially smaller and statistically insignificant.
Source: Corrado Giulietti, Martin Guzi, Martin Kahanec, and Klaus Zimmermann, 'Unemployment benefits and immigration: evidence from the EU', International Journal of Manpower, Volume 34 Issue 1
Links: Abstract | Guardian report
Date: 2013-Apr
A new book examined the turn in post-industrial societies towards a fear of cultural, racial or religious externality. A sense of fear in relation to the 'Other' had emerged as a replacement for the social bond, as otherness and danger were increasingly associated with each other.
Source: Michalis Lianos (ed.), Dangerous Others, Insecure Societies: Fear and social division, Ashgate Publications
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Apr
An article examined the impact of European Union policy on asylum outcomes in the member states. The increasing Europeanization of asylum policy had not resulted in a 'race to the bottom' in which asylum recognition rates and the numbers of admitted refugees had eroded. Contrary to existing literature, there was some evidence for convergence of the overall asylum recognition rates: but important national differences in the recognition of applicants from the same country of origin persisted. Europeanization had not led to more equal distribution of the applications and recognitions of asylum status in Europe. Overall, the EU had had only a limited impact on changes in asylum policy outcomes.
Source: Dimiter Toshkov and Laura de Haan, 'The Europeanization of asylum policy: an assessment of the EU impact on asylum applications and recognitions rates', Journal of European Public Policy, Volume 20 Issue 5
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Apr
A report said that newly arrived migrant children in Europe were more likely to face segregation and end up in schools with fewer resources. This led to under-performance and a high probability that the children would drop out of school early. European Union member states should provide targeted educational support for migrant children, such as specialist teachers and systematic involvement of parents and communities, in order to improve their integration.
Source: Rimantas Dumeius, Hanna Siarova, Idesbald Nicaise, Jana Huttova, and Indre Baleaite, Study on Educational Support for Newly Arrived Migrant Children, European Commission
Links: Report | European Commission press release
Date: 2013-Apr
An article examined whether immigrants were more likely to receive welfare payments relative to natives across a range of European countries. It also assessed relative rates of poverty across immigrants and natives. 'Very little evidence' was found that immigrants were more likely to receive welfare payments when all payments were considered together. There was evidence, however, of higher rates of poverty among immigrants.
Source: Alan Barrett and Bertrand Maitre, 'Immigrant welfare receipt across Europe', International Journal of Manpower, Volume 34 Issue 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Apr
A report said that failing to recognize the contribution made by migrants and ethnic minorities to Europe s economic, social, political, and cultural life had a damaging impact on resilience to the economic crisis, and on the well-being of Europeans.
Source: Catherine Lynch and Shannon Pfohman, Hidden Talents, Wasted Talents? The real cost of neglecting the positive contribution of migrants and ethnic minorities, European Network Against Racism
Links: Report | ENAR press release
Date: 2013-Apr
A paper examined the factors that were related to attitudes towards immigrants in Europe, with a particular focus on the role of institutional trust. It considered separately two different groups of people – members of the ethnic majority, and minority-ethnic populations. Social trust was found to be important for both groups, whereas trust in institutions was more strongly related to attitudes among ethnic majorities. Other differences were related to type of area where people lived, human capital, and economic factors. The first two were more strongly related to the attitudes towards immigrants for the majority populations, whereas economic factors (especially labour market status) were more important for minority populations.
Source: Vivika Halapuu, Tiiu Paas, and Tiit Tammaru, Is Institutional Trust Related to the Attitudes Towards Immigrants in Europe? A study of majority and minority population, Discussion Paper 2013-14, NORFACE (New Opportunities for Research Funding Agency Co-operation in Europe)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Apr
An article proposed a simple method for assessing how far migration in Europe altered the extent of replacement for a birth cohort as it aged. It presented estimates of the overall replacement ratio for a range of European countries representing different replacement regimes. For many countries net migration had become a key factor in their population trends in recent decades.
Source: Chris Wilson, Tomas Sobotk, Lee Williamson, and Paul Boyle, 'Migration and intergenerational replacement in Europe', Population and Development Review, Volume 39 Issue 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Mar
An article examined whether multicultural policies undermined redistribution policies in European countries, by eroding the social cohesion on which redistribution measures were built. Policies that focused on recognizing minority groups might lead to a greater social acceptance of those minorities, and in turn might lead to their feeling more appreciated as participants in society. Multicultural policies could easily be combined with policies that invested in national unity and social cohesion.
Source: Francois Levrau and Patrick Loobuyck, 'Is multiculturalism bad for social cohesion and redistribution?', Political Quarterly, Volume 84 Issue 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Mar
A paper examined the migration response of young people from new European Union member states in the wake of the global economic recession. Migration intentions were high among single people and among males with children: but both categories were also overrepresented among people with only temporary as opposed to long-term or permanent migration plans. Education had no effect on whether working abroad was envisaged.
Source: Martin Kahanec and Brian Fabo, Migration Strategies of the Crisis-Stricken Youth in an Enlarged European Union, Discussion Paper 7285, Institute for the Study of Labor (Bonn)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Mar
A paper examined the effect of inflows of immigrants on the careers, employment, location, and wages of native Europeans. Native Europeans were more likely to upgrade their occupation to one associated with higher skills and better pay when a large number of immigrants entered their labour market. They were also more likely to start a self-employed activity. As a consequence of this upward mobility their income increased or stayed the same in response to immigration. No evidence was found of an increased likelihood to leave employment or to leave the region of residence.
Source: Cristina Cattaneo, Carlo Fiorio, and Giovanni Peri, What Happens to the Careers of European Workers When Immigrants 'Take Their Jobs'?, Discussion Paper 7282, Institute for the Study of Labor (Bonn)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Mar
A report said that decisions about migration were very often influenced by consideration of the best options for the whole family, in terms of raising children, education, and options for improving life chances. The dynamics of family life therefore ought to be a consideration for authorities responsible for immigration policy in Europe. People considering migration should be presented with accurate accounts of the conditions of the host countries to allow informed decisions to be made. Funding should also be available to family welfare organizations to facilitate their engagement with issues concerning migrant communities.
Source: Transnational Families and the Impact of Economic Migration on Families, Confederation of Family Organisations in the European Union
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Mar
An article examined whether permissive immigrant integration policies promoted or impeded majority group members' subsequent negative attitudes in European countries. Permissive policies were found to be associated with decreased perceptions of group threat from immigrants, suggesting that integration policies were of key importance in improving majority members' attitudes regarding immigrants.
Source: Elmar Schlueter, Bart Meuleman, and Eldad Davidov, 'Immigrant integration policies and perceived group threat: a multilevel study of 27 western and eastern European countries', Social Science Research, Volume 42 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Mar
A report summarized the outcome of a symposium in September 2012 that examined understandings of racism in Europe and ways to counter it.
Source: Shannon Pfohman and Liz Fekete (eds), Recycling Hatred: Racism(s) in Europe today, European Network Against Racism
Links: Report | ENAR press release
Date: 2013-Mar
A report said that national Roma integration strategies in European Union countries fell 'very short' of what was required to make the kind of tangible difference that was needed by 2020. It made a set of recommendations that the European Commission needed to consider in order to keep its framework on track.
Source: Bernard Rorke, Beyond First Steps: What next for the EU framework for Roma integration?, Open Society Institute
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Mar
A paper presented an overview of the key trends in the European Union with respect to labour market integration outcomes for immigrants, and the relevant areas for public policy engagement.
Source: Anna Platonova, Labour Market Integration of Immigrants in the EU: Key trends and policy issues, Itinera Institute
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Mar
A special issue of a journal examined migration, mobility, and rights regulation in the European Union.
Source: Policy Studies, Volume 34 Number 2
Links: Table of contents
Date: 2013-Mar
A new book examined what response the law had, or should have, to different family practices arising from cultural and religious beliefs, drawing on examples from a range of countries including England and Wales, Spain, Poland, and France.
Source: Mavis Maclean and John Eekelaar (eds), Managing Family Justice in Diverse Societies, Hart Publishing
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Feb
A paper examined the changed environment facing the European Union as it sought to develop a new European agenda for immigration and asylum policy.
Source: Elizabeth Collett, Facing 2020: Developing a new European agenda for immigration and asylum policy, Migration Policy Institute
Links: Briefing
Date: 2013-Feb
A report provided a detailed assessment of free movement, motivations for migration, and the challenges countries might need to address as intra-European Union mobility entered its latest phase.
Source: Meghan Benton and Milica Petrovic, How Free Is Free Movement? Dynamics and drivers of mobility within the European Union, Migration Policy Institute
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Feb
A special issue of a journal examined the gendered aspects of migration and the labour market in Europe.
Source: Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Volume 39 Number 4
Links: Table of contents
Date: 2013-Feb
A study examined the impact of nationality law on families and vice versa across Europe, and how acquiring nationality affected the family. It proposed a new instrument to harmonize best practices and develop commonly accepted rules on residence criteria for the acquisition of nationality.
Source: Alenka Prvinsek Persoglio, Study for the Feasibility of a Legal Instrument in the Field of Nationality Law and Families (Including the Promotion of Acquisition of Citizenship), Council of Europe
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Feb
A think-tank report examined the European Union's response to irregular migration and the role played by its return strategy.
Source: Myriam Cherti and Miklos Szilard, Returning Irregular Migrants: How effective is the EU s response?, Institute for Public Policy Research
Date: 2013-Feb
A new book provided an evidence-based assessment of the impact of migration and labour force participation on population and labour markets dynamics in Europe, and a comparative analysis of possible population developments in 27 European countries.
Source: Marek Kupiszewski (ed.), International Migration and the Future of Populations and Labour in Europe, Springer
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Feb
A paper examined the potential for deliberation and partnership between Roma communities/civil society, national governments and European institutions, and the research community. It said that inclusive community development could have transformative potential by promoting a 'Social Europe', a vision of society based on solidarity, equality, social justice, and internationalism.
Source: Thomas Acton and Andrew Ryder, Roma Civil Society: Deliberative democracy for change in Europe, Discussion Paper F, Third Sector Research Centre
Date: 2013-Feb
A paper examined the situation of the migrant population in Europe in terms of their risk of poverty and social exclusion, as well as their wealth, and compared these with those of the non-migrant majority population (focusing on young people with migrant parents).
Source: Orsolya Lelkes, Eva Sierminska, and Eszter Zolyomi, Inclusion of Young Migrants, Research Note 6, European Social Observatory (Brussels)
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Feb
A paper examined the challenges facing European Union immigration policy. The central policy tool upon which the EU had based policy development had became limiting: the successive five-year plans since 1999 were no longer up to the challenge. The EU was also battling deep Euroscepticism, even as public confidence in governments' ability to manage migration was at an all-time low. European governments needed to articulate a new vision for immigration that reflected a rapidly changing global environment, not least in demographic and economic terms. Policymakers had yet to fully absorb the changes both within and outside Europe, instead 'fixating' on annual arrival numbers.
Source: Elizabeth Collett, Facing 2020: Developing a new European agenda for immigration and asylum policy, Migration Policy Institute
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Feb
A new book examined how work, welfare, and immigration policies in Europe could be developed in a more integrated fashion.
Source: Elena Juradid and Grete Brochmann (eds), Europe's Immigration Challenge: Reconciling work, welfare and mobility, IB Tauris
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Feb
A new book examined efforts to make immigration policy in European countries more selective, such as the United Kingdom's points-based system. Apart from efforts to regulate the flow and rights of immigrants, governments across Europe also needed to devise labour market, welfare, and immigration policies in a more integrated fashion.
Source: Grete Brochmann and Elena Jurado (eds), Europe's Immigration Challenge: Reconciling work, welfare and mobility, I B Tauris
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Jan
A new book examined the real-life place and position of the European second generation – children born of immigrant parentage – in education, labour, social relations, religion, and identity formation.
Source: Maurice Crul, Jens Schneider, and Frans Lelie (eds), The European Second Generation Compared: Does the integration context matter?, Amsterdam University Press
Date: 2013-Jan
A new book examined recent developments in the areas of migration, human rights, and health from a range of countries (with a particular focus on the United Kingdom).
Source: Felicity Thomas and Jasmine Gideon (eds), Migration, Health and Inequality, Zed Books
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Jan
A report said that Roma and Traveller women in Europe were often exposed to multiple and intersectional discrimination on grounds of gender and ethnic origin, and had limited access to employment, education, health, social services, and decision-making. It made recommendations designed to ensure that public policies, especially national Roma integration strategies, fully addressed women's rights and needs.
Source: Tackling Multiple Discrimination of Romani and Traveller Women: A crucial factor for the successful implementation of the national Roma integration strategies, European Women's Lobby
Links: Report | EWL press release
Date: 2013-Jan
A new book examined patterns of residential mobility of minorities in Europe.
Source: Nissa Finney and Gemma Catney (eds), Minority Internal Migration in Europe, Ashgate Publications
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Jan
