Ten conclusions towards a new framework for analysis

The chapters comprising this book have analysed mechanisms of migration regulation and control in Europe along the lines of Brochmann's benchmark ‘The Mechanisms of Control’ and Guiraudon's subsequent ‘De-Nationalizing Control’.

As we have found, however, much has happened in the field of migration policy since these two influential studies were written. Migration flows – their volumes, forms, types and patterns – have all undergone dynamic changes. Responding to both new migration realities and external developments, policies have subsequently been adapted or, in some cases, undergone fundamental revisions. The dynamic environment of policy and migration interdependence has thus catalysed further changes in migration patterns and, consequently, further policy responses.

While Brochmann and Guiraudon were pathfinders to the starting point for our own analysis, this volume has extended and modified their concepts by examining the mechanisms currently at play in the countries under study. In this final chapter, we limit ourselves to ten general conclusions drawn from the nine reports contained herein. We then follow up our conclusions with a proposed new framework to conceptualise the progressive expansion of state migration controls.

First, we have seen that migration policies in Europe follow three main regulatory practices that are closely associated with three main groups of migrants. Focusing on the groups to begin with, the first category consists of ‘unsolicited’ or ‘unwanted’ migrants, e.g. those who are irregular, asylum-seeking or involved in family reunification. The underlying aim of states is to suppress, limit and control such types of movements. By contrast, the second main category of migrants is encouraged and often ‘invited’ to move. These individuals propel what have come to be desired migration flows, e.g. the migration of highly skilled workers, certain types of temporary and seasonal labourers as well as co-ethnic migration. Finally, the third category of migrants comprises citizens of EU countries moving within the EU. This group's flows are mostly met with an attitude of laisser-faire or benign neglect, albeit with two exceptions. On the negative side, migration from ‘new’ to ‘old’ EU member states is still constrained by restricted access to the labour market across many EU countries. And on the positive side, temporary student migration is actively promoted through EU academic exchange programmes.