MACRO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF MIGRATION. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS FOR OLD VS. NEW EUROPEAN MEMBER STATES

The objective of this paper is to identify and measure the macroeconomic factors having a significant impact on migration flows in European countries. A comparative analysis is proposed between Old Member States (traditionally receiving countries for migrants) and New Member States (with lower net migration rates). Thus, two panel data regression models are estimated for identifying the determinants of net migration (period 2000 2017). The factors considered are consistent with the migration theories: labour market factors (unemployment, income), social factors (Gini inequality coefficient, poverty rate) and other factors (economic freedom, health system). Obtained results confirm the economic theories of migration. Unemployment is a significant and strong supply push factor for migration, while income emerges as a significantfactor only for the Old Member States. Inequality is endorsed as a significant push factor for all countries, while economic freedom has a significant positive influence on the net migration rate only for the New Member States. Health related variables are not validated as migration determinants. The findings of this paper can be further used for developing migration projections but also for establishing migration policies recommendations that could lead to better integration of migrants.