The Central Eastern Europe (CEE) region, historically a crossroads of diverse cultures and populations, is currently at a pivotal juncture in terms of its approach to migration and asylum policies. In recent years, the region has witnessed shifting migration patterns, prompted by factors such as economic disparities, political instability in neighbouring regions, and humanitarian crises. These developments have necessitated a thorough reformulation of migration policies, balancing the need for security, humanitarian considerations, and the region’s socio-economic interests.
From the perspective of many CEE countries, the focus is increasingly on encouraging the return of diaspora communities rather than promoting immigration. This preference is rooted in a desire to reconnect with citizens who have historical and cultural ties to their home countries, and who are seen as having the potential to contribute significantly to the national economy and society. The return of the diaspora is often viewed as a way to reverse brain drain, bringing back skills, knowledge, and experience that were lost to emigration. Many CEE nations, therefore, are developing incentives and programs to attract their diaspora back, seeing this as more advantageous than encouraging new immigration. These policies are reflective of a broader strategy to harness existing cultural and familial bonds for national development, while addressing demographic challenges and skills shortages in a way that maintains social cohesion and cultural continuity.
CEE countries are revising their migration and asylum frameworks in response to these changing dynamics. A key aspect of this reformulation is the enhancement of border security and management. For instance, Hungary and Poland have both taken steps to strengthen their border controls. Hungary’s construction of a barrier on its southern border is a response to the increased flow of migrants from the Middle East and North Africa. Poland, facing similar challenges, has been investing in modern border surveillance technology to monitor and manage illegal migrant flows more effectively.
At the same time, there is a growing recognition in the region of the need to uphold humanitarian obligations towards refugees and asylum seekers. Countries like Romania and Croatia are working on developing more comprehensive and humane asylum processes. This includes initiatives to improve the conditions in reception centres and expedite the processing of asylum applications, ensuring that those in need of protection receive it promptly and adequately.
Economic considerations are also playing a significant role in shaping CEE’s migration policies. With declining birth rates and ageing populations in many CEE countries, there is an increasing awareness of the potential economic contribution of migrants, particularly in sectors facing labour shortages. Czechia, for example, has been revising its immigration policies to attract skilled workers, particularly in areas like IT and engineering, to support its growing economy. Despite a hardline in the media, the Polish government granted more visas to non-EU citizens between 2016 and 2023 than the rest of the EU combined.
Integration policies are another crucial element of migration policy reformulation in CEE. Ensuring that migrants and refugees can integrate effectively into host societies is vital for social cohesion. Slovakia’s integration programs, focusing on language training, employment support, and cultural orientation, are examples of efforts to facilitate the smooth integration of newcomers.
Despite these efforts, reformulating migration policies in CEE is not without challenges. The region’s countries face differing domestic political pressures regarding migration, which can impact the formulation and implementation of policies. Additionally, the need to align with broader European Union policies and standards on migration adds another layer of complexity.
The reformulation of migration and asylum policies in Central Eastern Europe reflects the region’s evolving understanding of the complexities of modern migration. Balancing security concerns with humanitarian and economic considerations is a delicate task, but one that is crucial for the region’s stability and prosperity. As CEE countries continue to navigate these challenges, their migration policies will likely become more refined, reflecting a pragmatic yet compassionate approach to a phenomenon that is inherently human.
