Gradually emerging from the global economic and financial crisis, European economies began showing positive signs of recovery over the course of 2015, with more widely shared economic growth. Just as the effects of this welcome development on the labour market were being felt, Europe found itself confronted with another serious challenge: the migrant and refugee crisis.
With conflicts in the Middle East and north Africa intensifying, recent months have seen a surge in the wave of migrants into Europe, at levels not seen for a long time. The shocking photos published, of migrants drowning trying to enter EU territory, highlighted the seriousness of the problem and spurred decision-makers into action.
