ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the sociopolitical context of contemporary European migration. More specifically, we look at the impact that the end of the Cold War has had on migration in Europe, notably in terms of East to West population flows that involve not only the current EU25 member states but also countries of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). We also discuss the emergence and diversification of migration forms including undocumented and shuttle migration, populations displaced for political reasons that are not, however, eligible for refugee status, as well as gendered migration. Through this, we aim at raising awareness of the universal usage of the terms ‘immigrant’ and ‘immigration’ that frequently suggests comparability where it does not, in fact, exist. Thus we point out major differences in the understanding of those terms in official statistics and current debates, while also discussing the divergence that may exist between official statistics and definitions of immigrant categories and the social reality on the ground. Last, we discuss the emergence of a common EU migration policy, and the challenges that lie ahead for European countries as regards the sustainable management of international migration.
