Facts about the region’s flow of people and remittances
Friday, 26 June 2009, 12.00 - 14.00 - Much has been said about migration from the Western Balkans and its consequences for both the region itself and for Europe.
Some observers fear massive Balkan immigration in the case of visa liberalisation or the region’s integration within the EU; others stress the importance of remittances for the Western Balkan’s economic health.
Debates about complex factors such as these demand sound and reliable information. Hence the importance of the Gallup Balkan Monitor (GBM) – the region’s most wide-ranging public opinion survey, conducted by Gallup in partnership with the European Fund for the Balkans.
The event will answer key questions such as:
- What is the current status of migration in the Western Balkans: how many people are willing to leave? How many have already left?
- Which countries are most dependent on remittances? Will they be the ones struck hardest by the repercussions of the current financial crisis?
- What are the consequences of recent political developments in the region? Are Kosovo Serbs leaving Kosovo in high numbers? Is there a significant intra-Balkan migration flow?
- How great is the need for visa and travel liberalisation? Which countries’ populations are most desperate to travel freely?
The GBM data will be presented by the Managing Director of Gallup’s Brussels office, Robert Manchin, an expert on Balkan issues. As well as having extensive polling experience in the region, Robert has worked as a policy consultant for governments and civil society across the Balkans.
The Gallup Balkan Monitor is an ongoing development undertaken in close partnership with the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB). Before the presentation of the data, Fabrice de Kerchove, representing the King Baudouin Foundation (one of the EFB's consortium partners) will deliver opening remarks about the scope and goals of the project.
