ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. It discusses post-enlargement intra-EU migration - or 'cross-border labour mobility, in the preferred official Euro-terminology. The chapter reviews the empirical patterns and dimensions of labour migration after the 2004 enlargement and the associated economic and labour market effects, as well as policy responses by governments and social partners. It discusses quantitative trends in migration flows, the characteristics of migrant workers, their regional distribution, and employment and wage-related outcomes. The chapter assesses the impact of cross-border labour migration on labour market outcomes: skills shortages and wages and unemployment and workers' bargaining power. It addresses the attitudes and views of governments and social partners in the public debate on cross-border labour mobility. The chapter analyses the policies and initiatives that have been introduced in sending and receiving countries in response to the challenges posed by migration.
