Central and Eastern Europe Face Emigration Challenge

After an increase in immigration from 2004 to 2007 as a result of their accession to the European Union, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are experiencing high emigration rates again. Poland is the most notable exception to this trend due to its good economic performance in spite of the ongoing crisis across Europe.

Net emigration, coupled with an aging and declining population throughout Europe, poses a demographic and economic challenge for Central and Eastern European countries as they struggle to maintain a workforce able to support rising economic growth. A European-wide competition for workers can be expected in the next few decades.