Migration

With the freedom of movement for citizens among many member states and the breaking down the physical boarders within the EU, issues of immigration have shifted to the newcomer member states and to migration from non-EU member states. Some worry that the EU with its immigration policies is going to be a “Fortress of Europe.” Resurgence of violence against migrants in combination of xenophobia and racism have alerted many governments, France, Germany, Spain and England in particular – to take steps to think of what multiculturalism in fact means in the European Union. How is the EU and its member states dealing with complex issues raised by internal migration and migration from non-EU member states?

Learning Objectives

1. Identify trends in migration in the EU.
2. Familiarize yourself with the EU’s approach to immigration
3. Compare and contrast the issues raised by historical and recent immigration in EU member states.

Study Guide

1. Print pdf version of study guide.
2. Revisit the interactive map. Which countries have the lowest/ highest percentage of migrants today?
3. Read the introduction, use the time line and the 'migrant routes' to gain an understanding of the history of immigration. CNN REPORT: Immigration in Europe.
4. Compare Saskia Sassen’s and Stephen Dearden’s views on immigration. Head to Head.
5. Learn about the EU’s common policy on immigration.