Within the ever-changing global map of migrations, Southern Europe has come to occupy a strategic position. As Europe struggles to control immigration from the developing world, the EU's southern flank is perceived as the weak flank of Fortress Europe. This book examines the many facets of Southern Europe's new immigration - the diverse roles played by immigrants in the labour market, issues of social and spatial exclusion, the slow evolution of policy, and wider strategic concerns of security and geopolitics.

Katrougalos and Lazardis examine the social welfare state of the main four Southern European countries: Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece. They conduct an overall system analysis of the welfare state in Southern Europe which challenges the prevalent Ferrera model. Additionally, they present a detailed outlook of policies adopted in the fields of employment, migration, health, social security, pensions, and gender-family issues.

As Europe struggles to control immigration, the EU's southern flank is perceived as the weak flank of 'Fortress Europe'. This book examines the many facets of Southern Europe's new immigration: the diverse roles played by immigrants in the labour market, issues of social exclusion and wider strategic concerns of security and geopolitics.