This paper seeks to identify patterns of migration for five south European
countries (France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece) during the years 1985-
2001. We use two indices to explore the balance of migration for each country
with respect to the (remaining) EU15 and also the SE5 as a whole. We are
particularly interested in changes in migratory patterns that have emerged
following the Schengen agreement (1995). The balance in bilateral migratory
flows between Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy is considered by examining the
Perron-Frobenius root for the matrix over two time periods. The balance is
shown to have improved after 1995. Finally, we consider some aspects of non-
EU15 migration and the problem of asylum seeking.
