Though, there has been migration since the beginning of human life and migration within Europe is nothing new, the quantitative degree and even the reasons for migration within Europe have changed. One reason for that is the right of free movement within the EU, which was used by a total of 11.8 million people in 2016. However, the public debate on migration in Europe is primarily focusing on international migration from non-member states. In recent years this was dominated by the topic of the refugee crisis, which led to less attention for intra-EU migration. Nevertheless, intra-EU migration is a main cause for the high number of new immigrants, at least for Germany and the UK. In Germany, it has increased noticeable in recent years, while migration from non-EU countries has decreased. One of the most represented foreign communities in receiving countries are often Poles. Back in 2017 for example, Germany had more immigrants coming from Poland than ever before. The enlargement of the EU in 2004 and the connected freedom to work in other EU countries was one of the most important stimuli for emigration in Poland´s latest history. Even before the EU, there were high numbers of emigrants leaving. But the accession greatly enhanced migration, leading Poland to be one of the largest emigration countries within the EU. Even though the peak of emigration was reached in 2007 with about 1.8 million migrants, there are still many Poles going abroad to live and work there. In 2015 alone 123 thousand people have left Poland. Nevertheless, the Polish economy is one of the fastest growing among EU countries and its unemployment is reducing, too. In fact, Poland was the only country in the EU, which has avoided recession the years after the financial crisis in 2009.
These issues lead to the question of the effects of mass intra-EU migration for Poland´s economy as a major sending country and the impacts on Poles, both, those staying in Poland and those who are living abroad. Also, it is interesting to know why so many Poles have left or want to leave Poland. To answer this question, this seminar paper will in the first part give the required fundamentals of intra-EU migration and following that, will assess the effects, risks and chances for the sending country Poland and its citi-zens. After giving an insight into government activities concerning Poles abroad, the seminar paper gives a conclusion on the impact of intra-EU migration for Poland and its citizens.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Fundamentals of Intra-EU Migration
2.1 Intra-EU Migration and its Legal Basis
2.2 History of Intra-EU Migration
2.3 Basic Effects of Intra-EU Migration
2.4 Motives and Barriers for Intra-EU Migration
3 The Influences of Intra-EU Migration on the Economy of Poland
3.1 History of Intra-EU Migration for Poland
3.2 Data of Intra-EU Migration for Poland
3.3 Drivers and Barriers for Migration from Poland
3.4 Costs and Risks for the Economy of Poland
3.5 Benefits and Chances for the Economy of Poland
3.6 Government Activities Concerning Poles Abroad
4 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This seminar paper investigates the socio-economic impacts of mass intra-EU migration on Poland, identifying it as a major sending country. The primary research goal is to assess the specific effects, risks, and opportunities—such as "brain drain" versus "brain gain," remittance flows, and labor market shifts—that have emerged following Poland's EU accession, while also analyzing the effectiveness of Polish government policies in managing these migration challenges.
- The theoretical foundations and legal framework of intra-EU mobility.
- Statistical trends of Polish emigration and return migration patterns.
- The economic repercussions for Poland, including "brain drain" and labor shortages.
- Financial and social benefits of migration, such as remittances and wage growth.
- Government-led initiatives and programs designed to support and repatriate citizens abroad.
Excerpt from the Book
3.4 Costs and Risks for the Economy of Poland
As seen before, Polish migrants tend to be younger, better educated and skilled than the average Polish population. Therefore, the persisting outflow is a risk and cost for Poland.
The effect of “brain drain” describes emigration of highly skilled and educated professionals. This is evident for Poland. In general, central-east EU countries have a very high share of high-skilled migrants compared to migrants from old member states and east EU countries, like Romania. After accession about 27 % of Polish immigrants in UK and Ireland had at least an university degree.
A working paper of the Austrian Foundation for Development Research has listed the main effects of brain drain, which can be applied for the case of Poland:
loss of human capital,
shortage of skilled workers (e.g. in healthcare, care, education and construction),
loss of economic investments which Poland spent on the education of migrants,
harm for future economic growth,
loss of taxes for Poland due to the emigration of high income earners,
weakening of the institutions and innovations as well as
loss of the social influence of highly educated to public disputes and democratic issues.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of European migration history and establishes the central research question regarding the impacts of mass emigration on Poland's economy.
2 Fundamentals of Intra-EU Migration: Outlines the legal basis of free movement within the EU and introduces theoretical models to explain the drivers and barriers of cross-border labor mobility.
3 The Influences of Intra-EU Migration on the Economy of Poland: Analyzes the specific historical context, statistical data, and socio-economic consequences for Poland, including both challenges like "brain drain" and benefits like remittances.
4 Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings to evaluate the future trajectory of Polish migration and assesses the long-term economic implications for the country.
Keywords
Intra-EU Migration, Poland, Brain Drain, Brain Gain, Labor Mobility, Remittances, Economic Growth, European Union, Emigration, Return Migration, Youth Drain, Care Drain, Labor Shortage, Government Policies, Socio-Economic Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the effects, risks, and opportunities of intra-EU migration specifically for Poland, treating it as a primary sending country within the European Union.
Which central topics are addressed in the analysis?
Key areas include the legal framework of free movement, the statistical evolution of Polish migration since 2004, the economic impact of "brain drain," and the role of government repatriation programs.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine how mass emigration has influenced the Polish economy and its citizens, evaluating whether the net effect has been beneficial or detrimental to the nation's development.
What scientific methodology is utilized?
The work employs a literature-based analysis, synthesizing existing economic theories, statistical data from official registries, and previous academic research on European labor mobility.
What does the main part of the work cover?
It details the history and data of Polish migration, the push and pull factors, the specific costs (like skill shortages) and benefits (like remittances), and governmental efforts to engage with the Polish diaspora.
Which terms best characterize this work?
Keywords include Intra-EU Migration, Brain Drain, Economic Convergence, Labor Shortages, Remittances, and Polish Diaspora policy.
How does the "migration hump model" relate to Poland?
The model helps visualize the relationship between income growth and emigration, suggesting that as Poland's wages converge with the EU average, migration pressure should logically decrease over time.
What is meant by "social remittances"?
This refers to the inflow of new ideas, norms, and cultural practices from returning migrants back into the Polish society, potentially driving local innovation.
How do Polish government programs aim to tackle "brain drain"?
Programs like "Powrót" and "POWROTY/HOMING" offer incentives, research scholarships, and administrative support to encourage Polish scientists and workers to return home and apply their skills in the domestic market.
What is the conclusion regarding Poland's future?
While demographic and labor market pressures persist, the paper suggests that continued economic growth and wage convergence may eventually transform Poland from a major sending country into a destination for migrants.
- Quote paper
- Dominik Bachmeier (Author), 2018, Intra-EU Migration & Poland, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/442092
