Kahanec argued that Europe needs mobility and immigration due to the demographic challenges it is facing (aging, skill shortages). According to the evidence he presented, it is reasonable to expect steady, modest migration flows from EaP countries (mostly Ukraine) to the EU over the next decade. He argued that moderately, and temporarily, increased flows can be expected if a more liberal migration framework is put in place; however, this should be viewed through the lenses of documented generally positive effects of past and projected mobility on EU labor markets. Kahanec concluded that more transparent and liberal migration framework provides for better matching and more favourable impacts on sending and receiving countries, and on migrants.

Read more about the event: http://www.eapmigrationpanel.org/page52006.html

Find the underlying studies here:

http://www.iza.org/en/webcontent/publications/reports/report_pdfs/iza_report_56.pdf

http://www.iza.org/en/webcontent/publications/reports/report_pdfs/iza_report_55.pdf