They are missing. Always. Somewhere. Labour migration from Eastern Europe

Subject of the Talk

Many countries in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe obviously serve as cheap labour reservoirs to fill gaps in Western European labour markets. On the other hand, many migrants financially support their families at home and thus contribute to improving living conditions there; many also return to their home countries permanently or commute back and forth between countries at varying intervals.

Labour migration can offer great opportunities - for the migrants themselves as well as for the countries of origin and destination. On the other hand, it also harbours many dangers. Often, hopes for a better life are not fulfilled. The often precarious situation of foreign workers, unjust, exploitative and inhumane conditions are increasingly coming to the attention of the German public. The effects of labour migration in the countries of origin are given less attention. They do not only affect children and other family members who stay behind.

What prospects do people in Eastern Europe have? What motivates them to earn a living abroad and what motivates them to return home? Which difficulties do they face and what help is available to them? What are the personal and social consequences when people decide to go abroad in search of (better paid) work? How can negative consequences be mitigated? What approaches are there for making labour migration fair?

Our interview partners will talk about their work and their experiences in Serbia and Romania. The title of the event is also the motto of this year's Pentecost Action of Renovabis, which will be officially opened on 14 May 2023.

We listen and talk to:

• Jelena Mićović, Project Coordinator at Caritas Serbia, Belgrade/Serbia
• Dr. András Márton, Director of Caritas Alba Iulia, Alba Iulia/Romania

Moderation:

• Thomas Müller-Boehr, Responsible for Dialogue and Partnership at Renovabis, Freising