Migration

Abstract

This chapter shows why, how, and with what effects international migration in its many forms is closely linked to the political economy of contemporary Europe. To begin with, the chapter discusses the scale and types of migration flows to Europe. The chapter then clarifies important definitional issues and the meaning of the terms migration and migrants, paying attention to the distinction between the ‘into/internal’ and ‘out from/external’ dynamics of international migration. In turn, these exemplify regulatory dilemmas, patterns of politicization, the effects of globalization, and unequal development. Subsequently, the chapter examines how the EU and its Member States shape the political economy of migration both externally and internally as well as the causes and effects of a key dynamic in the European Political Economy of migration, which is the tendency towards greater selectivity in migration policy (typically on the basis of education and skills). Finally, the chapter assesses selectivity in migration policies, which has been accompanied by militarization of borders designed to deter and repel those migrants defined as ‘unwanted’ by EU and member state laws and policies.