Silvia Marcu

The Geopolitics of the Eastern Border of the European Union: The Case of Romania-Moldova-Ukraine

Since the fall of the communist regimes, we have been witnessing in Europe two phenomena that dominate the geopolitical scene: on the one hand there is integration, with the advance of the borders of the European Union (EU) towards the east through its two enlargements, and on the other hand there is disintegration, as expressed by social crisis, and latent tensions and conflicts in the countries found beyond the said border. This article focuses on the geopolitical changes that came about on the eastern border of Europe (Romania-Moldova-Ukraine) and the border relations between these three countries after the fall of the Soviet Union, and the integration of Romania into the EU. This is both a multidimensional and ethno-territorial border, associated with tensions and conflict. 1 Using the territorial dialectic of the globalisation argument, we are able to analyse, describe and interpret from a theoretical-empirical standpoint, the two current discussions about that border: opening by means of cooperation, or closing by means of control and security.

Emotions on the move: belonging, sense of place and feelings identities among young Romanian immigrants in Spain

This article examines the experiences in terms of belonging and sense of place among young Romanian immigrants who came to Spain in search of opportunities for professional development. The research detects and analyses the process of mobility, the search for job opportunities and the necessity of working below ones level of training or education, which induces young people to re-construct a new and complex identity. By means of the qualitative method of in-depth interviews, the analysis highlights the role that emotions play in young peoples’ discourse while underscoring the ability of the interviewees in re-creating their identity and building a place even during the midst of a turbulent and insecure process. The conclusions signal the creation of a new and multiple identity which is complex and fluid and specific to persons on the move.

Romanian Migration to the Community of Madrid (Spain): Patterns of Mobility and Return

The article analyzes the process by which Romanian immigrants to the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain) return to their country. Starting with the empirical reality and the theoretical focuses on human mobility as a form of transnationalism, the article emphasises on the characteristics which distinguish the Romanian collective from other collectives of immigrants living in Spain; circular migration that creates work networks. The paper reflects how the intensive mobility contributes to a process that is continuous and partial—hardly ever final. The first part of the article presents the phases of Romanian migration to the Autonomous Community of Madrid. It then delves into the process by which Romanians return to their country of origin, while detailing those factors that influence their decision. The conclusions point towards a renewal of studies on mobility within the framework of the European Union that links the border dynamic with the migration process.

Learning Mobility Challenging Borders: Cross-border Experiences of eastern European Immigrants in Spain

Abstract This article examines the cross-border mobility practices of eastern European immigrants across and within European Union (EU) borders, taking into account the changes in the patterns of the EU border regime, which have affected mobility in the last 20 years. Drawing on empirical research with references to in-depth qualitative interviews of eastern immigrants in Spain, this article highlights the ways in which the emerging models of cross-border mobility management are producing new geographies of the EU border. On the one hand, (re)bordering makes human mobility difficult, while, on the other hand, networked bordering facilitates mobility. The conclusions confirm that the flexibility of the European border allows the mobility of people, and also indicate that, while crossing borders, eastern Europeans learn about mobility and practice it as citizens of Europe.

Cross-border mobility and strategies of development among returned Moldavian immigrants

Borders and human mobility have become key elements in the development of the global society of the twenty-first century. Growing attention to the development potential of migration has recently raised a new concern regarding the issue of return migration. Linked to this, the debate on the migration-development nexus considers circulation to foster development as it enhances the flow of financial, social and cultural capital to the countries of origin. This paper links cross-border mobility and return to development migration. Taking into account the historical, geopolitical and social changes in Moldova, the paper examines the perceptions of mobility and return for development of the Moldovans engaged in emigration in the countries of the European Union. Using a multi-discipline approach and ethnographic research (in-depth interviews) conducted among Moldovan migrants in their home country, this paper seeks to analyse how mobility and return can support social change and development within the country.

20 años después. Nuevos valores en la sociedad civil de la Rumanía postcomunista

El articulo presenta la influencia de los cambios ocurridos en la estructura de la sociedad civil rumana, en los ultimos 20 anos. Analiza la aparicion de la nueva Rumania social, a partir de una sociedad civil debil, con una clase intelectual en declive. Ademas de indagar en los cambios politicos y sociales, y su reflejo en la sociedad rumana, el articulo detecta y analiza los mecanismos y modelos de “exito”, tal como los percibe y fomenta el pueblo rumano. Se evidencia que a falta de confianza en la actuacion del Estado, la poblacion crea sus propias estrategias de supervivencia.

Between migration and cross-border mobility: return for development and Europeanization among Moldavian immigrants

This paper links migration, cross-border mobility and return for development, in terms of citizenship, identity and approach to Europeanization. Taking into account the global changes in Moldova, the paper examines the perceptions of migration/mobility, return and identity of the Moldovans engaged in emigration in the countries of the European Union (EU). Using a multi-discipline approach and an in-depth qualitative interview technique, this article analyses from a transnational perspective how migration/mobility and return can support social change and development in Moldova and argues that people who cross EU borders, and who live through the experience of emigration, acquire a pro-European mentality.

Living Across the Borders: The Mobility Narratives of Romanian Immigrants in Spain

This article seeks to analyze the mobility of Romanians within Spain, taking into account the current economic crisis that is affecting labor markets in Spain and Romania, and its impact upon people. Using the perceptions of Romanians, the paper examines their experiences and their understanding of their process of mobility and return as Europeans who have a right to free circulation but limited working rights in the enlarged European Union (EU). To carry out this research, the author used the qualitative method of in-depth interviews with 80 Romanian immigrants engaged in labor mobility between the two countries. The article highlights the role played by borders in studies of mobility and suggests that migrants may have varying perceptions concerning place and mobility. By looking at immigrants’ narratives the article seeks to produce a framework that reflects the transformation of immigrants into mobile citizens within the context of the EU.

Mobility, return for development and sense of Europe: narratives of Moldavian immigrants returning from the European Union

The article links migration, cross-border mobility and return for development embedded in terms of identity and approach to sense of Europe. Taking into account the global changes in Moldova, the paper examines the perceptions of mobility, return and identity of the Moldovans engaged in emigration in the countries of the European Union (EU). Utilising a multi-discipline approach and an in-depth qualitative interview technique, this article seeks to analyze how mobility and return can support social change and development of the country, and argues that people, who cross EU borders, living through the experience of emigration, acquire a pro-European mentality.

Pax Russica: ambigüedad geopolítica de las tensiones y conflictos en el espacio de la antigua Unión Soviética

One of the heritages of the last years of communism in the Soviet Union (USSR) for the new Russia consisted in an ethnic conflict that out-break, when religious or political