SUSTAINABLE MIGRATION STRATEGIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: LESSONS FOR ROMANIA FROM A COMPARATIVE NVIVO-BASED ANALYSIS

Abstract

Migration is a key driver of economic, social, and demographic transformation across Europe. In the face of demographic decline, increased labour mobility, and the need to meet sustainability objectives, national migration strategies must address both global pressures and domestic development goals. This paper presents a comparative qualitative analysis of migration strategies from six EU member states – Romania, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Bulgaria – using NVivo 14 software for thematic coding and the extraction of best practices.

Findings reveal significant divergence in strategic approaches, ranging from diaspora-focused repatriation models (as in Finland and Lithuania) to security-oriented migration control frameworks (notably in Romania and Bulgaria). The study emphasizes the need for Romania to adopt a more balanced migration strategy, integrating sustainable immigration policies, incentives for return migration, and effective integration mechanisms for newcomers. The conclusions propose actionable recommendations for aligning Romania’s migration strategy with the EU’s sustainable development agenda.