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The stagnating West European population and the prosperous economic
development of the EC generate strong economic incentives for
immigration, particularly from Eastern Europe where political changes
are generating emigration pressures. In Discussion Paper No. 641, Thomas
Straubhaar and Programme Director Klaus F Zimmermann argue
that concerns expressed in the current debate over the economic effects
of East-West migration may be exaggerated: migration potential is
unclear; population decline, stagnation and population ageing in West
European countries make a certain level of population inflow desirable;
and controlled immigration may well be beneficial for receiving
countries. They recommend an active European migration policy to secure
the welfare gains that can be reaped, so long as the social and
adjustment costs of foreigners' immigration are lower than their
marginal productivities in the receiving countries. |
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