Migration and Integration Research in Estonia and Europe
The Institute of Baltic Studies (IBS) is a leading policy research organization in Estonia that collaborates with public authorities, civil society organizations, and international institutions to better understand migration and integration processes and the societal changes they bring. Our goal is to inform evidence-based policies in Estonia, across Europe, and beyond.
Our Key Focus Areas in Migration and Integration Research
1. Migration & Integration
We study a wide range of migration and integration processes, including newly arrived immigrants, returnees, and Estonia’s diverse diasporas. Our analyses explore the factors that influence migrants’ adaptation and integration, as well as the effectiveness of national and EU-level policies.
Recent projects and publications:
- Study of Residents with Undetermined Citizenship: Attitudes, Identity, and Obstacles to Acquiring Citizenship (2025)
- Estonian Communities Abroad: Identity, Attitudes, and Expectations (2022)
- Adaptation of Newly-Arrived Migrants in Estonia (2019)
- Monitoring the Integration of Estonian Society (2021, 2020, 2017, 2015)
2. Education & Language Policy
With Estonia’s shift toward more Estonian-language education, our research examines how schools and educators address multicultural and multilingual challenges, including support systems for new immigrant children and the readiness of schools to foster diverse learning environments.
Recent projects and publications:
- The Organization of Estonian Language Learning in Limited Language Environments: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions (2023)
- Transition to Estonian-language Education in Tartu (2023)
- Adaptation of Recent Immigrant Children in Estonian General Education (2021)
- Mapping the Field of Multicultural Education (2019)
3. Socio-economic & Labour Market Analysis
Our socio-economic studies assess employment opportunities, barriers to labor market participation, and trends in cross-border labor mobility. We aim to inform evidence-based policies that foster inclusive growth for both native and immigrant communities.
Recent projects and publications:
- The Recruitment and Need for Foreign Specialists in the Estonian Industrial Sector (2024)
- Analysis of Labour Market Services to Migrants (2017)
- Labour Market Situation of Ethnic Minorities (2016)
4. Human Rights & Equal Treatment
We undertake research on fundamental rights, discrimination, and social inclusion. Our findings support the development of fair policies and help civil society organizations advocate effectively for those most at risk of exclusion.
Recent projects and publications:
- Analysis of the Counselling Service for Applicants for International Protection and Returnees (2023)
- Human Rights in Estonian Schools (2017)
- Promotion of Equal Treatment: Impacts, Awareness and Policy Recommendations (2013)
- Evaluation of Support Services Offered to Asylum Seekers and Persons Granted International Protection (2013)
5. Policy & Impact Evaluation
By evaluating government and EU-funded programs—ranging from integration to compatriot support initiatives—we provide insights into what works, what could be improved, and how resources can best be allocated.
Recent projects and publications: