Europe's Youth on the Move: Economic Struggles Drive Migration

Europe's young population is increasingly mobile, with many aged 15 to 29 studying or working in countries different from where they were born. However, this trend is driven more by economic necessity than adventure. According to Eurostat data from 2023, 14.2% of young people live outside their birth country, while 11.9% reside in a nation where they do not hold citizenship, CE Report quotes Agerpres

Economic Hardships and Brain Drain

Economic challenges, housing shortages, and limited career prospects are major factors pushing young Europeans to seek better opportunities abroad. In Portugal, low wages and a housing crisis fuel migration, with 30% of those aged 15-39 leaving the country. Slovenia faces similar issues, with around 1,500 young people emigrating in 2023. In Italy, over 300,000 young adults have moved abroad in the past decade, citing low salaries and a lack of job opportunities. Bulgaria sees 8-10% of high school graduates opting for studies abroad, primarily in EU nations.

Croatia, which saw a significant population outflow after joining the EU in 2013, has slowed emigration as economic growth improves. However, between 2014 and 2023, nearly 374,000 people emigrated, with young adults forming the largest group. Experts suggest that emigration tends to slow once a country reaches around 80% of the EU’s economic development average, a threshold Croatia is approaching.

Western Europe and Non-EU Migration

The migration trend extends beyond the EU. North Macedonia has lost around 10% of its population to emigration in the past two decades, with young professionals citing corruption and a lack of opportunities. Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a similar challenge, with nearly a quarter of young people considering emigration. A UN survey highlights job insecurity and political instability as key reasons for their departure.

For non-EU citizens, moving to Europe does not always guarantee stability. In 2023, 47.2% of young non-EU migrants were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, double the rate of young EU citizens. Unemployment among young non-EU citizens stood at 15.1%, compared to 10.9% for EU citizens.

The Role of EU Initiatives

The EU has long promoted youth mobility through programs like Erasmus+, which has facilitated exchanges for 16 million people since its launch in 1987. While such initiatives support education and training, they do not address the economic disparities that drive migration.

As European nations grapple with youth emigration, experts stress the need for comprehensive reforms in education, employment, and housing to create sustainable opportunities at home and curb the ongoing brain drain.