Some migration dynamics specific to southern Europe: South-north and east-west axis

This article examines the magnitude and determinants of migration from east to west (Europe) following the collapse of communism, and from south (Africa) to north (Europe). Special attention is given to assessing numbers and characteristics (including illegal) of the flows, and also to reasons for and success of bilateral agreements and cooperative projects by the governments of Italy and Spain designed to check and control the flows. Notwithstanding tighter controls on visas for Third World nationals, migration to western Europe does not seem to have abated. In Italy, illegal migration from the east (Albania in particular) is connected, directly or indirectly, with the criminal underworld. The inventory of legal texts and agreement protocols between Spain and Morocco designed to resolve many issues relating to migration, reflect longstanding relations between the two countries. Political and economic relations between Italy and Albania, on the other hand, have developed only within the framework of recent policies. xWhile the presence of Moroccans in Spain and Albanians in Italy is not yet demographically significant, the authors predict that, in the absence of further appropriate political and economic measures, numbers will increase.