Territorial impact of migration on frontline regions and cities on the EU shores of the Mediterranean

Publications

30 Aug 2021

Labour, Migration and Social Policies

External Publications

Katarzyna Sidło

Agnieszka Kulesa

Katarzyna Sidło
Dr Katarzyna W. Sidło specializes in the political economy, geo-economics and socioeconomic development of the European Union’s Southern Neighbourhood as well as EU-Mediterranean relations. She has a proven track record working on studies, evaluations and impact assessments commissioned by various international donors such as the European Parliament, the European Commission and its various departments and agencies, … <a href="https://case-research.eu/publications/territorial-impact-of-migration-on-frontline-regions-and-cities-on-the-eu-shores-of-the-mediterranean-2/">Continued</a>

Articles from this author:
- Preparing for the enlargement from a territorial perspective: governance, policies and investments to ensure the role and means of LRAs in an enlarged EU
  The report examines the potential impacts of EU enlargement, focusing on Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. It highlights the benefits of a larger internal market, increased geopolitical influence, and improved food and energy security, while also addressing the financial and policy challenges, especially in agriculture and regional development. Enlargement would require major adjustments to the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy, with Ukraine’s vast agricultural sector putting particular pressure on EU funds. Financial estimates suggest significant budget needs, leading the report to outline three scenarios: no new members until 2041, a single large expansion, or a phased approach over multiple budget cycles. The report underscores the critical role of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in managing these changes, recommending support and shared strategies to ensure a balanced, sustainable approach to EU growth.
- Tourism and rural development
  The study delves into the multifaceted impact and potential of tourism in fostering rural development across the European Union (EU). Its aim is to equip local governments with practical insights, empowering them to effectively leverage the benefits of tourism in rural EU regions. Employing a diverse array of research methodologies, including interviews, case studies, and … Continued
- Prospects of reinvigorating the Middle East Peace Process: a possible joint EU-US undertaking?
  The resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute has been an issue of strategic and common interest for the European Union (EU) and the United States (USA). The Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) was initiated through the 1991 Madrid Conference co-sponsored by the Soviet Union and the USA. … Continued
Author’s articles
Agnieszka Kulesa

Lead Social Sciences Researcher
Dr Agnieszka Kulesa is the Lead Social Sciences Researcher at CASE. She supports business development and oversees and contributes to research and analytical projects. Having joined CASE in 2018 as an economist, she served as Vice-President of the Management Board from 2021 to 2024. Agnieszka has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including peer-reviewed articles and reports for European institutions such as the European Commission (EC), the European Parliament (EP), the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Articles from this author:
- Capacity building for local and regional authorities in the light of the Ukraine Facility (Pillar III)
- Exploring the Entrepreneurial Potential of Belarusian Migrants in the EU
  This Working Paper aims to deepen the understanding of Belarusian migration to the EU, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship among Belarusian migrants.
- 180th mBank-CASE Seminar Proceedings: BNPL: Buy Now Pay Later. Deferred Payment– An Established Idea Gaining Traction
  The publication examines the growing popularity and implications of the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) financial model in Poland and globally. It features expert analyses and discussions from a seminar held on March 14, 2024, including insights from key players like PayPo, PKO BP, and the Credit Information Bureau (BIK). The publication focuses on: BNPL Evolution and Success: Originating in Sweden, BNPL has transformed global online shopping, offering deferred payment options as an alternative to credit cards. Poland's BNPL market, still in its infancy, shows rapid growth due to firms like PayPo, Twisto, and Allegro Pay. Comparison with Credit Cards: Unlike credit cards, BNPL offers simpler, targeted transactions that resonate with younger demographics and more women. It avoids the complexities and high fees associated with traditional credit cards, fostering higher adoption rates. Polish Market Dynamics: By the end of 2023, nearly 2 million Poles had used BNPL, representing 12% of active borrowers. PayPo leads the market with innovative features, while PKO BP introduces seamless banking integration for deferred payments. Challenges and Growth Potential: Despite its success, establishing a universal BNPL business model remains challenging. However, its consumer-centric approach signals continued growth, especially as it aligns with modern purchasing behaviors. The report provides a nuanced understanding of how BNPL reshapes financial landscapes, blending fintech innovation with traditional banking.
Author’s articles

The aim of the present study is threefold. First, it provides information on the recent (2020-2021) impact of migration flows via Mediterranean routes on the EU frontline regions and cities. Second, it takes a closer look at the local integration strategies developed in these frontline regions and cities which have been transforming the potential of migratory flows into social and economic gains benefitting both the host community and the third-country nationals (TCNs). To this end, five case studies are being presented as part of the study: Barcelona (Spain), Milan (Italy), Thessaloniki (Greece), Nicosia District (Cyprus), and the South East Region of Malta. Last but not least, the study also serves as a source of information for the CoR’s Annual Regional and Local Barometer.

To achieve the objectives of the study, the research team applied a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. First, the team conducted desk research of primary and secondary sources (e.g., media sources, academic and expert literature, policy documents of Local and Regional Authorities [LRAs] and databases and websites, including those relating to relevant projects implemented by LRAs). Second, our findings have been informed by interviews with stakeholders which included representatives of relevant LRAs as well as international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and charities involved in the reception and integration of migrants in the cities and regions selected for the case studies.

The study consists of four main sections. Following the introduction, the selected afore-mentioned case studies are presented in the second part of the study. In the third section we indicate and describe the most pressing issues faced by the chosen EU frontline cities and regions as regards the reception and integration of migrants. Finally, the fourth part is dedicated to the presentation of conclusions and recommendations on strengthening the capacities and minimising the vulnerabilities of LRAs faced with migratory flows as well as designing and implementing effective and mutually beneficial local integration strategies.

This report was written by Aleksandra Chmielewska, Virginia Dicuonzo, Olimpia Dragouni, Agnieszka Kulesa, Katarzyna Sidło.

The report was prepared for the European Union and the Committee of the Regions.

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Territorial impact of migration on frontline regions and cities on the EU shores of the Mediterranean

Katarzyna Sidło

Articles from this author:

Agnieszka Kulesa

Articles from this author:

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