Lunch Debate: Germany Calling

Migration policy has become a highly politicized topic in Germany. Yet, the public debate often neglects a crucial fact: Germany has long been dependent on labor migration, with immigrant workers filling critical gaps in many sectors due to shortages of skilled labour. Another overlooked dimension, however, concerns the consequences of emigration for the countries of origin.

In their research study “Germany Calling”, Anja Troelenberg and Franziska Tschinderle examine the impact of labour drain in the Western Balkan states. Their main finding: the biggest challenge for the Western Balkans is not ethnic conflict, but massive emigration. This trend significantly affects areas such as medical care and is fuelling economic stagnation and the reinforcement of authoritarian structures, while civil societies become increasingly weakened.

Together with the authors, experts and you, we would like to gain a deeper insight into some of the dynamics in Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and discuss the consequences of emigration for these regions.

With

• Anja Troelenberg, author and producer, Tirana
• Franziska Tschinderle, author and journalist, Tirana
• Nidžara Ahmetašević, journalist, researcher, Sarajevo

Chaired by Katja Giebel, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Berlin

In English, no interpretation
Rewatch a discussion of the paper in German.

» Online participation in ZOOM
The access information will be sent to you by email 24 hours and then 2 hours prior to the event.

You can use either the Zoom Client software or the app. If you are using either the Chrome or Edge browsers you will be able to participate directly via the access link. For more information on how to use Zoom, click here.
Please make sure that you are using the latest version of Zoom so that you have the necessary settings. You will need a microphone and possibly a camera for events with audience participation.

The Heinrich Böll Foundation is not liable for issues arising from the use of Zoom software. Zoom's current privacy policy can be found here.