Prof. Rosella Nicolini, Mr Juan A. Piedra Peña (p), Prof. José Luís Roig

In this paper, we aim to assess the extent to which cultural proximity—approximated by linguistic and religious distance—contributes to the selection of a place of residence. Our objective is to disentangle potential spillover (network) effects arising from the concentration of specific ethnic groups in particular locations.
Our empirical analysis focuses on different ethnic groups residing in Barcelona and on migration dyads observed in 2018. The analysis considers the city’s neighborhood structure (73 spatial units).
To model migration flows, we propose an innovative empirical strategy that captures both spatial and cultural proximity in migrants’ location choices. Specifically, we employ spatial econometric interaction models (SDM) to estimate the effects of origin and destination characteristics on migration flow patterns and to identify spillover effects.
Our findings reveal significant network effects among migrants who share similar cultural characteristics. Moreover, linguistic proximity emerges as a key determinant of migration flow patterns toward neighborhoods located near areas with higher shares of children and elderly residents.
Finally, we discuss potential place-based policies that could foster deeper integration, particularly emphasizing the cohesive role that the labor market may play

Dr. Justyna Weltrowska (p)

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 initiated an unprecedented influx of refugees into Poland, which initially sparked enormous public engagement and solidarity among Poles. However, over time, as the conflict dragged on and the costs of social, healthcare, and educational support grew, negative sentiment toward Ukrainian migrants began to grow. Poznań, a large urban-industrial center in Western Poland, became one of the main refugee destinations, leading to an evolution in residents' attitudes—from initial, spontaneous mobilization and support to tensions and emerging challenges.
This lecture will present the results of research on the perception of Ukrainian immigrants in Poland during the current phase of refugee hosting. The study used surveys among Poznań residents and interviews with representatives of municipal institutions supporting immigrants, and the results reveal both integration processes and emerging social tensions.
There is no doubt that the large wave of Ukrainian immigration has triggered lasting social change in Polish cities. The lecture will also attempt to answer the question whether the end of the war will open a new chapter in Polish-Ukrainian relations in the spirit of cooperation and integration, or whether it will deepen the trends of polarization of residents' attitudes towards the challenges of integration.

Prof. Leo Van Wissen (p), Prof. Dr. Veronique Schutjens

Migrants move to improve their living conditions. In their search for a better place to stay and their final migration decision, migrants’ trade-off between characteristics of the sending and receiving regions is crucial. However, regional profiles themselves also change due to migration flows. Some regions lose, and some win, because the number and type of incoming and outgoing migrants impact the development of both the sending and receiving region. While acknowledging the substantial heterogeneity of migrants, a topic covered in other contributions in this book, the current chapter mainly addresses the intriguing but complex interrelation between regional development and migration.