Labour mobility in the Euroregion Galicia-Norte de Portugal: constraints faced by cross-border commuters

Abstract

Removing barriers to labour mobility is expected to contribute to processes of spatial integration in cross-border regions, by an efficient allocation of labour and consequently a convergence between territories separated by a common border. Nevertheless, despite the de-bordering process within the European Union, administrative, legal and language barriers still hamper cross-border labour mobility preventing the process of labour market integration. The aim of this paper is to identify obstacles to the mobility of cross-border workers commuting within the Euroregion Galicia-Norte de Portugal. Methodology combines the analysis of official data on labour mobility, with qualitative data gathered from interviews with cross-border commuters aiming to contribute to explain the different attitudes towards cross-border mobility inside this Euroregion. While traditional push and pull factors remain relevant to explain cross-border labour flows, the qualitative information adds new insights into different levels of indifference of cross-border workers. The result is a fragmented labour market were Norte de Portugal is providing low qualified-low wage labour while Galicia is contributing with well-paid and qualified labour.