The changing nature of intra-European mobility of third-country nationals. Review of institutional framework and general dynamics
The volume of arrivals from third countries into the European Union has increased in recent decades. With the increase in the number of residents from outside the European Union, their mobility among member countries has also increased. In recent years the issue of intra-European mobility of non-EU nationals has become increasingly important due to the influx of refugees during so called Mediterranean crisis in 2015 and United Kingdom's exit from the EU. However, Intra-EU mobility of Third Country National (TCN) migrants is still under-studied. The objective of this report is to collect existing information and provide results from the available data to describe the main characteristics and dynamics of intra-EU mobility of TCN migrants. Mobility within Europe is a historical phenomenon, although traditionally intra-European migrations were carried out by Europeans themselves. It is only in the second half of 20th century that mobility to Europe from other parts of the world has gradually become a mass phenomenon and, consequently, a factor of social, economic, and demographic change. The increase in the volume of citizens from non-European countries has resulted in their greater mobility within the continent. Intra-European mobility has taken on a new dimension with the creation of European communities and the gradual process of European integration. Although the freedom of movement has become the axis of European construction, this right has been reserved to date only for European citizens. Residents of the European Union who do not have European citizenship do not enjoy full freedom of movement between the countries of the union and are subject to national regulations that vary according to their category. Available data reveal that intra-EU mobility of TCN migrants is characterised by a diversity of patterns and destinations. It is observed that some countries are particularly attractive to intra-European TCN migrants. It is also observed that mobility takes place mostly between neighbouring countries. In ...