MIGRATION-SECURITY NEXUS IN THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN RELATIONS

Authors : Sedef EYLEMER, Sühal ŞEMŞİT

Pages : 49-70

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Publication Date : 2007-10-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Securitisation on the issue of the migration in Euro-Mediterranean relations has mainly started in 1990s. Due to this securitisation, the issue has been perceived as a “threatening” factor especially for the public order, cultural identity, and the domestic stability in the EU. Imbalanced securitised approach of the EU and the increasing militarisation of border controls have created a self-reinforcing dynamic rather than limiting the migratory pressure from the southern Mediterranean countries. The tendency of the EU to securitise migration issues both in its internal and external affairs, putting most emphasis on irregular migration and readmission agreements, rather than the other aspects of visa facilitation and legal migration might form an impediment to the success of cooperation with Mediterranean countries. What the EU needs to regulate migration in the Mediterranean is a more cooperative approach rather than the overemphasis of restrictive migration policies
Keywords : European Union, Migration, Securitisation, Euro Mediterranean, European Neighbourhood Policy