Labour Migration and EU Enlargement: Reconciling Dutch and Western Balkan Priorities
Labour Migration and EU Enlargement: Reconciling Dutch and Western Balkan Priorities

Author(s): Camille van Hees, Ana Milinković, Wouter Zweers, Strahinja Subotić
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Economy, Civil Society, Governance, Human Resources in Economy
Published by: Centar za evropske politike CEP
Keywords: freedom of movement; EU; Western Balkan
Summary/Abstract: This research paper intends to analyse the future of freedom of movement for workers within the EU, particularly in the context of further enlargement and potential reforms. It seeks to provide a detailed, evidence-based assessment of how the Dutch proposal to extend limitations on worker freedom for new member states is perceived by key Western Balkan (WB) countries (considering their significant emigration challenges), while assessing the impact of the restrictions on the future EU member states. The Republic of Serbia was selected as the primary case study due to its size, significance, and the potential impact of its labor mobility on the EU. Additionally, a comparative approach by examining Montenegro, the closest to EU membership, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its high labor mobility, was taken. By conducting research efforts, in-depth, context-specific data was collected through interviews with key stakeholders in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

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