The Dual Impact of Romanian Migration to Italy: Economic Benefits and Social Integration Challenges
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| Pages: | 15 : 26 |
| Abstract: | This study examines the economic and social dimensions of Romanian migration to Italy, one of the most significant intra-European mobility flows since Romania’s accession to the European Union. Drawing on statistical data from ISTAT, Eurostat, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the National Bank of Romania, the paper analyzes the dual impact of migration—its economic contributions to the Italian labor market and public finances, and its social implications for migrants’ integration and well-being. Economically, Romanian migrants play a vital role in sustaining Italy’s productivity, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as construction, agriculture, and care services. Their contributions to taxation and social security, estimated at €4 billion in 2024, underscore their importance to the Italian welfare system. Simultaneously, remittances from Italy—exceeding €3 billion annually—have become a key source of economic stability and local development in Romania. Socially, the paper highlights persistent integration challenges, including language barriers, cultural adaptation, and experiences of discrimination that affect migrants’ participation in host communities. While national and local policies have introduced linguistic, vocational, and legal support programs, their impact remains uneven across regions and social groups. The findings reveal that Romanian migration to Italy has evolved from temporary labor mobility to a stable transnational system that fosters mutual economic interdependence within the European Union. However, sustainable integration requires policies that balance economic benefits with social inclusion, ensuring that migration remains a catalyst for both growth and cohesion in the European context. |
| JEL classification: | F22, J61, J21, Z13 |
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F22, J61, J21, Z13
