Abstract. This paper investigates the main factors influencing migration inflows within the European Union over the 2013-2024 period. Using a dynamic panel data approach based on the Arellano-Bond GMM estimator, it accounts for persistence in migration patterns and potential endogeneity in socio-economic indicators. The research focuses on the differences between high- and low-inflow countries regarding "push" and "pull" migration factors. Primary results show that labour cost increases act as a significant "pull" factor in high-immigration states, whereas in low-immigration countries it loses statistical significance. Notably, the NEET rate emerges as the strongest inhibitor of immigration across the EU-27, having a substantial negative impact in the low-inflow country model. Moreover, the old age dependency ratio behaves like a "push" factor, while GDP per capita growth positively shapes migration dynamics. These findings suggest that EU migration policies should address the asymmetrical influence of labour cost on intra-EU migration through targeted interventions.

Keywords: labour cost, intra-EU migration, dynamic panel data analysis, high versus low immigration, EU-27 countries.