Introduction

The changing character and patterns of Migration threatens to confront Europe with one of its greatest challenges in the 21st Century. Most European countries are undergoing significant transformations with some countries turning from countries of net emigration into countries of net immigration. Many have yet to face up to these structural and social changes.

This workshop aims at creating a better understanding of the international migration processes, its causes, current developments and long term implications, through a multi-disciplinary dialogue. The wider aims include producing new academic outcomes and improving participants’ research and methodological approaches.

The event involved lectures, group exercises and discussions. It is hoped to produce a series of academic articles with high standard leading to publication.

Topics included:

• Historical perspectives: changing migration patterns and social consequences ?
• Political participation: the impact of migrants on European democracy, politics and good governance?
• The Economics of migration: how do remittances, ‘brain drain’, labour market flexibility, pensions, health care, impact on growth rates?
• International law: how best to resolve conflicts between national international migration laws?