This study represents the most comprehensive comparative analysis to-date of the migration potential in eleven countries of Central and Eastern Europe. For the first time a distinction is drawn between short-term temporary migration, long-term temporary migration and permanent emigration, and that distinction leads the authors to minimize long-standing fears of large immigration waves to EU countries. The research also explores various factors accounting for different patterns of migration potential, including geographical location, migrant networks, unemployment rate, and GDP per capita and past migration experiences. In addition to general comparisons, the survey provides detailed data in each of the countries studied.

This conference proceedings shows that the migration flows within and from the CEECs are much more complex than a straightforward westward flow towards the European Union and North America.

Patterns of Migration in Central Europe brings together new material on migration in the region: Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In the last ten years, these countries have changed from being countries of emigration to countries of immigration. As the next candidates for membership to the European Union, migration has become a particularly important topic for these countries. This book is designed as a key text for those interested in the development of the region and in European migration more generally.

Recoge: 1. What do we know about migration from the CEECs? - 2. The development of macroeconomic migration determinants - 3. Review of the literature - 4. Estimation and evaluation of the forecasting performance - 5. Simulation of the migration potential - 6. Conclusions.

This conference proceedings shows that the migration flows within and from the CEECs are much more complex than a straightforward westward flow towards the European Union and North America.

On cover: European issues

The collapse of the Soviet Union has had profound and long-lasting impacts on the societies of Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia, impacts which are not yet fully worked through: changes in state-society relations, a comprehensive reconfiguration of political, economic and social ties, the resurgence of regional conflicts "frozen" during the Soviet period, and new migration patterns both towards Russia and the European Union. At the same time the EU has emerged as an important player in the region, formulating its European Neighbourhood Policy, and engaging neighbouring states in a process of cross-border regional co-operation. This book explores a wide range of complex and contested questions related to borders, security and migration in the emerging "European Neighbourhood" which includes countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia as well as the countries which immediately border the EU. Issues discussed include new forms of regional and cross-border co-operation, new patterns of migration, and the potential role of the EU as a stabilizing external force.