The growing phenomenon of migration constitutes one of the most important challenges facing Europe and particular member states of the European Union. It is connected with economics (mainly associated with globalisation), cultural and social transformations, but also with spreading areas of poverty, international and ethnic conflicts. Migrations provide a “mirror” for the changes taking place all over the world, affecting the lives of individuals and whole nations. High intensity of migration movements that can be observed currently calls for the need to analyse these processes.
In recent years many European countries have introduced significant changes to their migration policies. This stems from adjusting these policies to the evolving migration models and changing political circumstances. The changes have been mostly directed at tightening limitations concerning the search for qualified staff, investors and entrepreneurs.
On one hand some more beneficial (simplified) solutions have been introduced in procedures governing family migration, however, in the long term, the changes have been directed at toughening restrictions.
