Moving trend 2023: East Germans turn back to the West

Moving trend 2023: East Germans turn back to the West

The revitalization of migration movements between Eastern and West Germany is an important topic that concerns the demographic structure and the future prospects of both regions. Current data from 2023 show a remarkable trend that changes the image of population movements in Germany.

trend reversal in the migration figures

The Federal Statistical Office reports that for the first time since 2016, more people from East Germany migrate to the old federal states. In 2023, around 88,300 people moved to the West, while only around 85,300 people from the western federal states moved to the new federal states. These figures illustrate a negative migration balance of around 3,000 people from the perspective of the new federal states.

population movements and their demography

The influence of foreigners on this trend is particularly striking. In 2023, around 32,500 people without a German passport opted for a relocation to the West, while only 19,400 moved from the west to East Germany. This imbalance shows that the majority of the emigration from east to west is characterized not only by the local population, but also by foreign citizens.

different migration flows

Interestingly, migration movements in German citizens still go from the west to the east. Around 65,900 Germans moved to the east, while only 55,800 chose the reverse path. This leads to a positive migration balance of around 10,100 people, which indicates the attractiveness of the new federal states for certain groups.

men as the main actors of emigration

In addition, it should be noted that the proceeding is strongly shaped by men above average. There are only 741 women who left East Germany. This demographic aspect could have an impact on society and economy in the new federal states.

political implications and future prospects

The latest migration numbers throw a negative light on the efforts of the federal government to benefit from the east of Germany. Carsten Schneider, the Federal Government's East Commissioner, has already expressed concerns about the influx in these regions. He emphasized that immigration is of crucial importance for the future of the East and that a feeling of welcome culture had to be promoted.

A look back at the history of the hikes

is also important to consider the current trend in the context of the history of German reunification. While tens of thousands of people moved to the West in the 1990s - in 1991 there were around 229,200 people - the picture changed. The migration movements are far more stable and less pronounced today than in the first years after reunification when many East Germans left their homes.

The new numbers, however, reveal how dynamic and complex the migration movements remain in Germany. It remains to be seen how political measures and social developments will influence the future course of migration between East and West Germany.

- Nag