International migration. Similarities and differences between EU-Member States

International migration. Similarities and differences between EU-Member States

This analysis corresponds to the first chapter in a more in-depth study on the current situation of migrants in EU-Member States. Specific themes of the study will include: (a) the criteria of family reunion; (b) (the effects of) bilateral agreements between sending countries and receiving countries; (c) the procedure of naturalization; (d) the right to vote; (e) return migration; …
The aim of the first chapter is to compare, based on a series of graphs and tables, to what extent international migration flows to EU-countries are different from those to other “migration” countries. Eventually, the comparison must lead to highlighting the specific attractiveness of the EU15 Member States (and Belgium).
One particular subject of the analysis concerns the “definition” of migrants. On strict statistical grounds this may be based on “current nationality”. However, taking into account more sociological considerations “country of birth” could be more appropriate In the case of Belgium (for which there are more detailed statistics available) the way migrants are “defined” makes a huge difference ─ and may have important consequences in the (political) discussions related to the issue of “integration”.