Emigration from Lithuania : causes and consequences

Abstract

Fundamental political, social and economic changes of recent years, having occurred in Lithuania, have predetermined an essentially new migration pattern. Migration directions, flows, forms, reasons, purposes have changed significantly. The enlargement of the EU creates favourable conditions for the member states population to move freely from one country to another. The percentage of emigrants from Lithuania tends to be the highest among EU members. According to Department of Statistics since 1991 300.000 people emigrated from Lithuania that is about 10 percent of Lithuania's population. Cause of emigration Lithuania loses able-bodied population so that is why this process tends to economical, social, cultural and other changes. The causes of migration should not be simplified to economic (usually wage/income) conditions. Even if economic factors dominate in migratory processes, migration flows are also influenced by the specific conditions or changes in local economy as well as country's historical perspective. In Lithuanian case economic factors dominate. According to researches made by various institutions in Lithuania, possibility to find a job and salaries are the main factors increasing emigration. Average monthly earnings in Lithuania in 2004 (before joining EU) were 9 times less than in UK or 6 times less than in Ireland. It is quite difficult to evaluate the consequences of emigration in Lithuania. The intensive emigration has resulted decrease of population as well as decrease of labour force. This helped to reduce unemployment. In 2006 the registered unemployment has fallen down to 5,6 percent. Low unemployment rate is not solely achievement of free labour movement but as well as of rapid development of Lithuanian economy. However our economy already faces negative consequences of workers emigration, such as lack of labour force. [...]