‘Benefit tourism’ post-Brexit: tackling the ghost by more EU social engagement

Abstract

This article argues that welfare migration, although ill-defined and yet to be proven empirically, needs to be addressed by the EU. The negative perception of immigration has given rise to anti-EU, nationalist sentiment. Financial solidarity between EU citizens is subject to caveats, although there is hope for increased solidarity between pro-EU citizens post-Brexit. The EU should foster this by introducing ‘associate citizenship’. It can take guidance from the USA and provide for basic EU social standards while guaranteeing free movement for the rich and the poor.