Socio-Economic Integration, Identity, and Belonging among Romanians in Austria

Abstract

Intra-EU migration of Romanians to Austria has intensified since Romania’s accession to the European Union, influencing both the socio-economic profile of the community and its relationship with the host society. The article analyses the socio-economic integration of Romanians in Austria through a mixed quantitative approach that combines official statistical data with an online survey conducted with 241 respondents from all nine administrative regions. The results point to a relatively robust level of economic integration, reflected in high employment rates, occupational diversification, and strong satisfaction with work and financial circumstances. At the same time, unemployment rates remain higher than those recorded among Austrian citizens, signalling persistent vulnerabilities. Social-educational integration appears more heterogeneous and is contingent upon German language proficiency, social networks, and experiences of discrimination. The survey data support the presence of functional bilingualism, with German predominating in professional contexts and Romanian in the family sphere, while mixed language use is frequently reported within friendship circles. The prevailing pattern is that of a mixed lifestyle and dual belonging, aligned with a transnational interpretation in which structural integration coexists with active and sustained ties to Romania.