The expansion of the European Union in 2004 has been followed by a significant increase in migrant numbers in various members states. Despite the increasing political importance of this issue, current debates on the relative costs or benefits of in-migration seldom utilise historical evidence, whether drawn from aggregate data or specific case studies. This international workshop has been convened to examine the extent and impact of German migration within Europe in the modern period focusing on different occupational groups, whether from the world of commerce and finance, the arts and education, professional practice, retailing, or the service sector. It will focus on both skilled and unskilled migrants and analyse the process of migration, the changing configuration of ethnic boundaries, and the impact of German in-migrants on their local environment. The international workshop will address the following themes:

* The changing scale, pattern and nature of German migration within Europe.
* The causative factors behind German migration.
* The relative integration of in-migrant groups, in terms of citizenship, marriage strategies, social assimilation, business networks, associational involvement etc.
* Ethnic identity and group cohesion.
* The impact of German in-migrants on indigenous development (whether economic, social or cultural).
* New analytical and theoretical approaches for assessing the overall contribution of in-migrant groups to recipient communities and countries.

Proposals for papers are invited from scholars working in any relevant field. Participation will be particularly welcomed from graduate students and academics in the early stages of their careers.

Applicants should submit a 400 word paper proposal and a brief cv (in Word, RRTF, or PDF format) by Wednesday 7th May. Participants whose papers have been accepted will be notified by Wednesday 14th May.

The International Workshop will be held on 5th and 6th September as part of a series of German-based contributions to Liverpool's celebration of its role as European Capital of Culture. Some financial support will be available to help with travel and accommodation costs, particularly for graduate students: food and refreshments will be provided by the workshop organisers.

Further details can be obtained from: Robert Lee, School of History, University of Liverpool, 9 Abercromby Square, Liverpool L69 7WZ; tel. 00 44 (0) 151 794 2415/2413; w.r.lee@liverpool.ac.uk