The local circumstances play a major role in the migration process, from the decision to migrate through the transit process
up to the settlement in the destination countries. Nearly all international migrants move to – generally the largest – cities in
destination countries, either directly, or after one or more internal moves. This is also the case across Europe, where
population growth in many cities can be largely attributed to an influx of migrants. At the same time, in countries of origin the
largest cities often function as gateways to destinations abroad. Many potential migrants in villages and small towns in origin
countries first move to these larger cities before leaving their country. Cities, therefore, both in countries of origin and
destination, are significant determinants of global migration and small-scale local knowledge on migration is necessary to
avoid misleading results associated with the limitations arising from the use of global or national patterns only. FUME will
therefore focus on understanding the patterns, motivations and modalities of migration at multiple geographical scales, from
international through regional to the local, and on imagining possible futures. FUME will determine 1) the major factors
explaining migrant movement patterns by analysing regional and local circumstances that either attract migrants or ‘push’
potential migrants to move, and 2) elaborate how possible future regional socio-demographic, economic and environmental
challenges may shape future migrant movement patterns in Europe. FUME will support appropriate planning and policymaking
by formulating integrated and coherent visions of how migration to and within Europe might evolve under different
scenarios relating to potential demographic, socio-economic, political and environmental challenges.