MIGRATION DETERMINANTS IN THE EU MEMBER STATES

Abstract

The current study aims to analyse the immigration and emigration determinants
in the EU member states. Following the EU enlargements that took place from 2004 to
2013, there was a considerable shift in migration flows in the member states. Analysing and
a better understanding the factors underlying emigration and immigration flows in the
donor and recipient countries can lead to better prediction and migration management. The
results show that the primary pull factors leading to immigration in EU member states are
political stability, a high-income level, better economic opportunities, and a higher standard
of living. On the other hand, the main push factors leading to emigration from some EU
member states are low welfare levels, higher unemployment, low income and wages, and a
high level of corruption.