International migration and population mobility are changing the face of the world, and is one of the most discussed aspects of present-day globalization in the Global North in particular. Migration is growing in scope, complexity and impact. Traditional migration patterns are complemented by new migratory flows, fuelled by changing geographic, demographic economic, political and social conditions in countries of origin and destination. The impact of such movements makes research and evidence based policy on migration a priority for the international community in Europe in particular At the present time Europe is faced with the biggest migration crises since the WWII. Migrants and refugees streaming from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia have presented European leaders and policymakers with their greatest challenge. 2016 is already marked as a challenging and decisive year, because it is expected that more refugees will be arriving, so especially the EU member states, will have key role in managing the migration and refugee crisis.
Being at the EU frontier and with a long tradition of emigration, the role of Serbia in international migration is very importaint. The Conference provides an opportunity to reconsider the issues of changing borders, migratory routes, causes and consequences of migration flows, with a view to seeking new perspectives on regional development in areas affected with strong out migration. Since Serbia is on the West Balkan migration route, the country is facing a number of challenges in the regulation of migration flows. It has implications for Serbia in relation to harmonizing its legal, administrative and institutional framework with that of the EU as well as meeting the requirements of accession with regard to the status of refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees under the readmission agreement, and in establishing a system for asylum seekers.