- PUSH FACTORS: There are a few glaring reasons to leave Western Europe and move to another region. One of the main reasons is because of war and conflict, including the refugee crisis. Much of this occurs in Eastern Europe, but citizens in all of Europe are having feelings of fear. Recently, there have been many terrorist attacks in Western Europe, again increasing the amount of emigration from that region. Jobs and the employment rate are also a large issue, since the population is constantly increasing, and more and more people are having trouble finding jobs. The impact of emigration from Western Europe causes a slower rate of of population growth, the unemployment rate lowers, and the home economy of countries in this region improves through remittances.
- PULL FACTORS: In addition to people having reasons to leave Western Europe, there are also many reasons to immigrate to it. One such reason is the majority of countries in Western Europe having democratic governments, which is what many people today are seeking, rather than the socialist and communist countries. Also, a great deal of people want to help out with the refugee crisis, as many refugees are fleeing to countries with no war and violence, which includes many countries within the subregion of Western Europe. Another reason is the appeal of the decent and thriving economy of many countries in this subregion, in contrast to most countries in Eastern Europe. Most developing families and companies want a stable home and formal economy in order to become successful. Immigration into Western Europe increases the rate of population increase, there is more cultural diffusion, there is a greater chance of a higher rate of unemployment, and likely an increased citizen talent pool (in conjunction with brain drain from some countries).