The myths and veracities of the European migration challenge

A case for labour migration

SPEAKER

Dr. Martin Kahanec

DESCRIPTION

Europe has been going through multiple challenges, including aging populations, skill shortages, economic recession and financial crisis, and the current migration crisis. The ensuing complexities have confused many key actors, including the general public and voters, as to their perspectives on the role of labor mobility for European societies and economies. This talk shed light on some of the key questions asked in the migration debate: Do migrants take our jobs and welfare? Are they grease or sand in the wheels of European economies? And how many migrants come due to the magnetism of welfare provisions in receiving countries? A range of econometric techniques applied on secondary and purpose-made datasets were used to support the argument that labor mobility is a potentially powerful vehicle of adjustment within and across European labor markets. Unfortunately, misguided debates resulted in ill-chosen directions of European policy efforts, which aggravated some challenges and constrained the potentials that labor mobility offers. A brief policy agenda for European labor mobility was outlined.

International Seminar

EVENT DETAILS

International seminar
08/09/2016

VENUE

European Centre