Western Balkans migration to Germany: consequences and suggestions for policy makers
The Western Balkans region has been experiencing significant outflows of people, particularly in sectors crucial for development such as healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. This trend is driven by a variety of factors, including poor labor market outcomes, less welfare support, and mistrust of institutions.
One of the primary destinations for emigration from the Western Balkans is Germany. The allure of higher wages, stronger welfare systems, better education, and more attractive career prospects in the German labor force has made it an appealing choice for many.
The 2015 Western Balkan Regulation (WBR) in Germany has facilitated labor flows from the region, further encouraging migration. This has resulted in a growing diaspora of Western Balkan citizens in Germany, contributing to rising cross-border capital flows between the two regions.
Remittances from this diaspora remain an important source of support for household consumption in the Western Balkans. The reverse knowledge spillovers from this diaspora and the possibility of return migration can turn labor mobility into a source of growth for the region.
The challenge for the Western Balkans is to manage this migration in ways that are beneficial to its development. This involves reforms in employment, education, and the rule of law. The goal is to channel emigration into a positive development for the region by promoting gradual European integration, ensuring the rule of law, improving employment opportunities, and demonstrating the benefits of reform efforts.
These reforms aim to create tangible incentives, such as access to the common market before formal EU accession, and to foster political and economic stability based on democratic principles and human rights. The ultimate goal is to encourage young people to invest in their home countries and prepare the region for eventual EU membership and a stronger, stable European perspective.
Notable scholars like Nina Vujanović, who obtained an MSc in Economic Policy from University College London and a PhD in Economics from Staffordshire University, are making strides in this regard. Her expertise includes micro-research of innovation, productivity, FDI and trade, and topics in macroeconomics, green and digital transition.
Another notable scholar, Nina Ruer, holds a master's of research (MRes) in Analysis and Policy in Economics from the Paris School of Economics (PSE). Her master's thesis was titled "The Gender Pay Gap in Student Employment in France."
The migration from the Western Balkans presents both challenges and opportunities. By managing this migration effectively and implementing necessary reforms, the region can turn this trend into a catalyst for growth and integration into the European Union.
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