Western Balkan Migrants heading toward Germany: Consequences and Suggestions
Nina Dobrev, a Research Analyst at a renowned organisation, has made significant strides in the field of economics. Hailing from a dual Dutch and French background, Dobrev is a French native speaker, fluent in Dutch and English.
Dobrev's academic journey began with a master's of research (MRes) in Analysis and Policy in Economics from the Paris School of Economics (PSE). She furthered her education by obtaining an MSc in Economic Policy from University College London and a PhD in Economics from Staffordshire University.
While at PSE, Dobrev was a research assistant. Her master's thesis, titled "The Gender Pay Gap in Student Employment in France," showcased her dedication to gender equality and economic research.
In February 2025, Dobrev joined the organisation where she currently works. Her expertise includes micro-research of innovation, productivity, foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade. She is also an Affiliate Fellow, focusing on the economic implications of the EU accession process.
Meanwhile, the Western Balkans have been experiencing significant population declines due to migration since the 1990s. Germany has emerged as the primary destination for emigration from the region, with outflows particularly significant in sectors vital for development, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.
Numerous factors motivate people to leave the Western Balkans, including poor labor market outcomes, less welfare support, and mistrust of institutions. The 2015 Western Balkan Regulation (WBR) in Germany has facilitated labor flows from the region.
Remittances from Western Balkan migrants remain important as support for household consumption in their origin countries. Trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) links between the Western Balkans and Germany have deepened, potentially leading to rising cross-border capital flows, reverse knowledge spillovers from the diaspora, and possible return migration. These factors could turn labor mobility into a source of growth for the Western Balkans.
However, the challenge for the Western Balkans is to manage migration in ways that are beneficial to its development. Reforms in employment, education, and the rule of law can help reduce the compulsion to leave the region.
Nina Vujanović, another researcher at the organisation, also focuses on the economic aspects of migration from the Western Balkans. Her PhD thesis was completed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) as part of the awarded scholarship programme and marked with distinction. Vujanović's expertise includes innovation, productivity, FDI, and trade.
The organisation that financially supported the research project discussed in Vujanović's working paper is the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). This is indicative of the highly competitive nature of FWF's programs, with many well-rated projects remaining unfunded.
In conclusion, the work of researchers like Nina Dobrev and Nina Vujanović is crucial in understanding and addressing the complex issues surrounding human migration news. Their research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with this migration, and offers suggestions for policies that could help manage migration in ways that are beneficial to the development of the Western Balkans.
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