Croats in the Benelux countries – migration, integration and identity

The aim of the project “Croats in the Benelux countries: migration, integration and identity” is to investigate the migration processes of Croatian citizens towards Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, with a special emphasis on young and highly educated emigrants. The research will analyse statistical indicators, motives for emigration, reasons for choosing the Benelux countries as migration destinations, the role of migrant networks in the migration process, forms of integration of Croats in the Benelux countries and the preservation of Croatian identity, as well as intentions (factors of potential) return to their homeland. Accordingly, the aim is to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary insight into the dynamics of Croatian migration towards the Benelux and to contribute to the understanding of the connection between migration, integration, identity and the potential for return migration. In addition to the main objective, the specific objectives of the project are: 1. to analyze statistical indicators on migration between the Republic of Croatia and the Benelux countries a. to determine numerical migration trends in the last two decades and earlier and, depending on the available data, to analyze the structure of migrants by age, gender and occupation, and to identify patterns characteristic of young and highly educated emigrants 2. to encourage cooperation with the Croatian community in the Benelux countries and to conduct field qualitative research in the Benelux countries a. to organize researcher stays in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg b. to conduct semi-structured interviews with Croatian citizens in the Benelux countries and in this way to analyze narratives of migration experiences, integration and identity (in the context of return intentions) 3. to investigate the motives for emigration of Croatian citizens, with an emphasis on young and highly educated groups a. to examine economic, professional, educational and social reasons for leaving b. to analyze the perception of life and career opportunities in Croatia and abroad c. determine the role of unemployment, labor market and educational policies in making the decision to emigrate 4. determine the reasons for choosing the Benelux countries as a migration destination a. analyze attractive factors such as the labor market, educational opportunities, multiculturalism and quality of life b. consider the role of previous migration networks and institutional channels in directing migration flows 5. analyze the integration processes of Croatian citizens in the societies of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg a. determine the level of social, professional and cultural integration b. investigate the adaptation of young and highly educated emigrants to the work and educational environment c. examine the sense of belonging and connection to the homeland 6. investigate the ways of preserving and expressing Croatian identity in the migration context a. analyze the role of language, cultural and religious practices and the activities of Croatian communities and associations 7. examine the intentions of Croatian emigrants to return to their homeland a. analyze the motivation and obstacles for the potential return of (young and highly educated) respondents to their homeland b. investigate the potential of return migration and its possible contribution to Croatian society and economy