Causes of Central-Eastern European and Baltic Countries Citizens Emigration to Great Britain (1990–2004)

Abstract

Importance. In recent years, historiography, mass media, and representatives of the political elite show a growing interest in the causes of Brexit, which led to Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. In this context, research into the Central-Eastern European and Baltic Countries Citizens Emigration to Great Britain, which contributed to the growth of anti-emigrant sentiment in the United Kingdom, is of particular importance. An important place in the study of emigration problems is occupied by analyzing the reasons for emigration and its perception by citizens of the region countries Research Methods. The historical and genetic method is used, which allowed to consider emigration in dynamics, reveal its causes, the main characteristics of migration flows and the perception of this process by different social groups. Results and Discussion. The socialist system collapse in Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic States required the new governments to destroy the planned socialist economy and create new national economy organization principles. Its liberalization and integration into the world economy led at first to a decline in Gross Domestic Product, inflation, structural changes in the labor market and an increase in unemployment, especially in the difficult situation of young people. The gap in the level and quality of life between the Western Europe and Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic states made the Eastern Europeans departure to the Great Britain attractive. Most potential emigrants according to sociological surveys and analytical research, including the commission of K. Dastman considered short-term emigration as a behavioral strategy. Conclusions. Difficulties in the Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic States transition to a market economy result to an increase in migration attitudes among citizens. The main reason for emigration from Central-Eastern Europe and the Baltic states to Great Britain, as well as to other Western European countries, is economic reasons; the political factor did not play a significant role in all region countries.