Twenty five years later (1991–2016): between Soviet past and unclear European and Eurasian future
December 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the dissolution agreement of the USSR. The collapse of the socialist system was a key event for Central and Eastern Europe. Hopes of a bright future mitigated the shock of the economic transition and massive waves of displaced people. Twenty-seven independent states and at least five unrecognized countries emerged with specific relationships, both among themselves and with the EU.
Many former socialist CEE countries turned towards European values. Others, torn by domestic turmoil and economic hardships, have tried to capitalize on their location “in between”. A third group with their own resources tried to build indigenous models of the nation-state. Russia and the old EU members remained the main poles of attraction.
The rapid growth of ethnic diversity induced by the new migrant diasporas has led to a change in the political, economic and ethnic situation. Xenophobia (particularly Islamofobia) creates internal tensions and requires new mechanisms for migration management. Media and politicians have also contributed to migrantophobia. The refugee and demographic crisis, economic uncertainties, the rise of xenophobia, the lack of coherence among member states, and future interrelations are all important issues for European development in the EU and the Eurasian union. The aim of conference is to provide a platform for the discussion of migration processes in the countries of post-socialist space.