Focus on the impact of the EU policies of migration and integration in Central European Countries
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Family reunification

Family migration from non-EU countries forms around one third of overall migration into the European Union. This portion is even higher in some Central European countries (Czech Republic, Slovenia). Although in other Central European countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Poland) the numbers of family migrants are still relatively low, it is expected that family migration will become generally more important in this region in the context of restrictive measures towards labour migration. The policies of family reunification in Central European countries are generally favourable which is attributed mostly to the transposition of the EU standards and little national interest in the topic. Migrants seeking family reunification can expect mainly discretionary procedures and high costs. Some countries (e.g. Czech Republic) apply minimum age limit for spouses and sponsors above the majority age. For more information about the family reunification policies in the CE see the briefing by Thomas Huddleston.

The family reunification is regulated on both the EU and national levels. The family migration of third country nationals is governed by the Family Reunification Directive, whereas the family reunion of EU citizens who reside in other EU country is regulated by the Directive 2004/38/EC. Apart from that there is the family migration of EU nationals who reside in their home country, which is mostly regulated by national legislation. Due to complex legal framework and ongoing European debate, the discussion of experts within this topic will limit itself to the family reunification of third-country nationals in Central European countries.

More specifically, the expert discussion within the topic Family reunification focuses on:
  • the importance of family reunification in the immigration systems
  • the strategy behind the countries family reunification policy
  • the strengths and weaknesses of the family reunification policy from the migrants point of view

Family reunification rules in the European Union and Hungary Family reunification Hungaryarticles

12. 2. 14     by Dr Ágnes Töttős ‘Family reunification is a necessary way of making family life possible. It helps to create sociocultural stability facilitating the integration (…) in the Member State, which also serves to promote economic and social cohesion, a fundamental Community objective stated in the Treaty.’ The provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union touch... »

Finally together! The Right to Family Reunification in Slovenia Family reunification Sloveniasummary texts

16. 8. 13 | Aldo Milohnić     In the second part of the project Migration to the Centre we were concerned with the possibilities of migrants and refugees to consume the right to family reunification in Slovenia. Two experts on migration presented the most recent statistical data, analyzed the legislative framework, and described the experiences gained from their field work. These experts’ assessments were upgraded by persona... »

Bureaucracy versus Love Family reunification Czech Republic

12. 8. 13 | Oksana Belková     Marriage is no longer considered to be just a sacred ceremony but also a way how to improve one’s living standard. Changes in societal tendencies have brought not only a large number of divorces but so-called sham marriages are also on the rise. What is the reason? »
Work and residence permits Family reunification (Citizenship)  Study / training in EU
Czech Republic Slovakia Poland Hungary Slovenia
articles public debates migrants outputs summary texts other
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The project has been generously supported by the European Commission The "Europe for citizens" programme, International Visegrad Fund and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
EU
Funded by the Europe for
Citizens Programme
of the European Union
Visegrad Fund. Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Contacts:
Daniela Pěničková, project coordinator
Phone: (+420) 296 325 345, E-mail: daniela.penickova@mkc.cz

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