Policy Insights

Relationships are thought to be an important indication of integration. Since the beginning of the European project, political scientists have in fact suggested that the development of a European identity could be strengthened by marriages between two people from different European countries. It’s tricky to measure, though, so we’ve had only anecdotes until now. Our study offers figures [1].

by Jakub Bijak Forced migration, related to armed conflict or persecution is unpredictable [1]. Crises such as the recent one in Syria happen frequently all over the world, forcing many people to flee and seek asylum outside of their home countries. In the Syrian case, over four million refugees have already been registered outside of Syria by October 2015.

“Demography is destiny” is a well-known expression. It suggests change is inex­orable, somehow unchangeable, subject only to inertia. But demography can be fast.

Who is considered a childless person in your research?

What are the specific difficulties that pupils of immigrant background face in the education systems?

Population Europe: What do you consider the most pressing issue in Migration politics that the EU has to resolve right now?

Population Europe (PE): To what extent growing up with divorced parents affects children?

Population Europe (PE): Can research tell us what is more damaging for children’s future: a lack of money or a lack of parents’ time in their early childhood?

Helga de Valk on meeting and mating in the European Union single market: Population Europe (PE): Why is research on intermarriage relevant for the future of the European Union?

Population Europe: What is the EU’s interest in research on families?   Marc Goffart: The EU’s research interest in families dates back to the late ‘80s, but actual policy developments (at the EU and international level, such as the OECD) are of more recent nature, which have initially centred around the demographic developments in Europe.