A new study conducted by researchers from Leiden University, a leading partner in the TRANSEUROWORKS project, offers compelling evidence that migrants cost European governments less than native-born citizens do. These findings, published as part of the project’s ongoing work on the economic and social dimensions of labour market transformations, challenge prevailing assumptions about the fiscal impact of migration in Europe.
Using administrative data from the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway, the study compares the average costs that governments incur for migrants and native-born individuals. The analysis reveals that, on balance, migrants contribute more than they consume in public services, especially in working-age populations. This finding is critical in a time when debates around migration and welfare are intensifying across Europe.
The research directly supports one of TRANSEUROWORKS’ key goals: to provide evidence-based insights into how welfare states adapt to large-scale economic, demographic, and social changes. By offering nuanced, data-driven perspectives on the costs and contributions of different population groups, the project informs policy debates and helps shape more inclusive and sustainable welfare systems.
This work also illustrates the value of cross-country comparison and the importance of longitudinal data in understanding the long-term impacts of migration on public finances.
Read the full article on the Leiden University website