The main socioeconomic factors driving young individuals from the European Union to emigrate : A study of the movements in the European Union

In the last decade migration has heavily increased. The freedom of labour movement is a core principle within the European Union that may benefit individuals and EU countries' labour market. The increase in mobility is generally positive, but in the long run some countries may face structural problems when young individuals leave the country. It is therefore of relevance to study what factors increase emigration and if younger individuals move abroad. The purpose of the study is to examine the main driving socioeconomic factors for the emigration of young individuals among countries in the European Union. The analysis is conducted with panel data from 16 member states of the European Union for the period 2012-2022. The result shows total unemployment, and a younger age raise the chance to emigrate while income and education decreases emigration. Nevertheless, there are several socioeconomic crises, for example wars, refugee waves and a pandemic that may have impacted the result.