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 (Afri ca) to north (Europe). Special attention is given to assessing numbers and characteristics (includ ing 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, migrat ion to western Europe does not seem to have abated. In Italy, illegal migra tion from the east (Albania in particular) is connected, directly or indire ctly, with the criminal underworld. The inventory of legal texts and agreement protocols between Spain and Moro cco designed to resolve many issues relating to migration, reflect longstan ding relations between the two countries. Political and economic relations between Italy and Albania, on the other hand, have developed only within th e 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 f urther appropriate political and economic measures, numbers will increase.