With the advent of free movement of people across the European Union, the region has undergone unheralded migration, with citizens freely moving around the continent for work and leisure.  A new study from the Universities of Göttingen, Bremen and Cologne sets out to explore which countries are the most popular.

The researchers attempted to understand some of the factors involved in migration across the European Union.  They analyzed all migration data across member states between 2001 and 2013, with a natural finding that wealthier states tend to be more attractive to migrants.  There was also considerable movement between neighboring countries, suggesting proximity remains a key factor.

They also highlight the importance of regulatory policies, and especially the availability of migration to the A8 countries in 2004, which led to high rates of immigration to western nations from the new EU member states in the east.

While it’s not immediately clear what impact Brexit will have on migration patterns across the EU, there have already been early indicators that Britain is a much less attractive destination for migrants than it previously was, although it’s not clear whether those who now aren’t going to Britain go elsewhere or remain in their homeland.

The authors believe even after Brexit however, the UK will retain its status as a popular destination for European internal migrants, as the economy, education sector and language remain attractive factors.

“Our findings underline the push and pull factors for immigration and emigration within European member states. It has been shown that regulatory changes within the EU play a relatively secondary role in affecting migration,” the authors conclude.