Migration within and between EU Member States is low: in 2010, the annual cross-border migration rate for the European working age population (15–64 years) was just 0.3% of the EU27 population, rising to around 1% for interregional migration. By comparison, the migration rate across the four main regions of the USA is 1.2%, while the rate across US states is 2.4%. Nonetheless, there is evidence that an increasing share of migration flows in the EU is accounted for by EU mobile workers, partly in response to differing labour market conditions across Member States. This report is based on data from correspondents in 28 EU Member States and Norway. It provides an overview of migration patterns and trends in the EU (both between and within countries) during the economic downturn. It also reviews recent policy initiatives and measures implemented or promoted by national, regional and local governments and social partners that directly or indirectly facilitate interregional and cross-border mobility of EU nationals.
