Emigration, co-development and development cooperation: reflections from a Spanish perspective

Abstract

The increase of immigration and the debate within the Spanish society concerning its causes and the best way to avoid unwanted or traumatic migratory movements, brings to the front page the relationship between emigration and development. Does the difference in the level of countries’ development cause these movements? Can a policy of cooperation contribute to an effective regulation of the demand? What new features does the approach of codevelopment offer? In addition to addressing these concerns, the article analizes the view maintained by the European Union and offers an overview of the main lines of Spanish cooperation for development that might influence the quality of life of the people and, therefore, their desire to choose the difficult path of emigration.