The politics of migration and immigration in Europe

Book abstract:

Immigration is one of the most highly charged issues confronting the European Union and its Member States and prompts nervousness about dilution of sovereignty, abuse of welfare state benefits and erosion of national identities. This work explores these issues and considers whether or not 'European politics of immigration' is a valid concept. Three themes are explained and applied through the book; immigration policies, immigrant policies and the impact of European immigration. Fifteen European countries are featured in the study. Chapter two addresses 'Fortress Britain'. France is discussed in chapter three and Germany in chapter four. The Netherlands and Sweden are studied in chapter five. The development of EU responsibilities is covered in chapter six. Discussion then moves to the politics of migration in southern and Central/Eastern Europe which have been strongly influenced by the entry rules and obligations arising through EU membership. The final chapter draws on the evidence in the earlier chapters to highlight the significant elements that will run through future consideration of immigration issues and development of both national and common EU migration policies.
The work will interest students, academics, policy researchers and practitioners in the fields of European Studies, Immigration and International Relations.
Andrew Geddes is Jean Monnet Reader in the Government and Politics of the EU in the School of Politics and Communications Studies, University of Liverpool.