Dynamics of European migration: A comparative assessment of Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary

Abstract

Through the quantitative analysis of migration statistics and the qualitative assessment of relevant domestic regulations in Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary, this study outlines a common analytical narrative to underpin the relationship between migratory trends and regulation. It establishes that the number of asylum applications and illegal border crossings can be meaningfully explained by domestic regulations which are, in turn, induced by the process of EU integration. This policy study investigates the relationship between regulatory change stirred by the processes of accession to the EU and the Schengen area, and the trends in migratory flows. To this end, three case study countries are analyzed: Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary. With the establishment of a common analytical narrative explaining the phenomena in these three countries, this study contributes to and helps the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) design appropriate policies regarding migration and protection of migrants in new and future member states of the EU. The main aim of this study is to identify the changing patterns of migratory flows in correlation with regulatory changes in receiving countries.