Rumänien zwischen Zuhause und Diaspora
Romania Between Home and Diaspora

Migration and Its Effects on Politics, Economy and Society in Romania

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the situation concerning emigration from Romania between 1990 and 2015, with a focus on emigration after 2002 when visa requirements for travelling to the European Union were lifted. First, the contribution presents the emigration context, including the push-factors, which have contributed to the decision to leave (especially the background of economic, demographic and political transition after the fall of the socialist system in 1989). Second, it highlights the main emigration trends, patterns and profiles, between long-term, temporary, circular migration and re-migration. Third, it highlights the present implications of emigration, focusing on the effects on social and family structures (in particular the situation of “home alone” children), on the economy (the importance of remittances) and on the political role of the Romanian diaspora. Currently, between 3.5 and 4 million from a total of over 20.2 million Romanian citizens live and work abroad, mainly in countries of the EU (Spain, Italy, Germany, France, UK, Greece), in the USA and in Canada. This phenomenon affects all spheres of Romanian society, economy and recently also politics. Although the magnitude of emigration is high, research, statistical data and overall awareness of the phenomenon are still rather low. The article attempts a compilation of different statistical and empirical studies in order to highlight the importance and the effects of the emigration phenomenon in Romania.

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