Migration crisis in Europe – myths and reality

Stanisław Jan Rabiej

Uniwersytet Opolski, Wydział Teologiczny
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3677-2128

Abstract

The refugee/immigration movement to EU countries - whether legal or illegal - is a fact that cannot be ignored. Of the approximately 512.4 million inhabitants of the EU, approximately 22.3 million (approximately 4.4%) are nationals of non-EU countries (data 2019, Eurostat). The assessment of this growing problem in Europe has been dominated by a number of negative concerns, which are not always objectively justified. In the press release as well as in the discourse of many right-wing circles of the EU, a wide wave of emigration/refugees is associated with terrorism, increasing crime, fear of unemployment and demographic domination. Fears of Islamisation of the continent and epidemiological threats are also articulated.

However, in an objective assessment of this phenomenon, it is worth noting that it also entails a number of benefits. These include: filling gaps in the labour market of the host country (both in highly qualified professions and in simple jobs); positive impact on unfavourable demographic changes taking place in the EU. Refugees bring with them a fresh perspective - new ideas and methods that can stimulate creativity and innovation. There are also economic benefits for countries of origin where poverty is reduced through remittances and investments by emigrants/refugees. This process also has a positive socio-cultural impact. The exchange of people and ideas can be inspiring and foster the emergence of more tolerant environments. For this to happen, newcomers need to integrate. This process should start in the transitory refugee camps.

Keywords:

Europe, refuguees, migration movement, integration