“What is Going on in the World?”: What is Going on at the EU Borders?

The European Union has attempted to address the so-called “refugee crisis” through a broad range of policy measures. In May 2015 the Commission published the European Agenda on Migration, which includes specific measures to manage immigration more effectively. In line with the Agenda, in 2016 the EU has sought greater cooperation with third countries, particularly on the readmission of irregular immigrants, border control and the reception of refugees in third countries. This has resulted in the EU-Turkey deal (March 2016) and the partnership framework with African countries (June 2016). Where are we now? To what extent has EU external migration policy delivered on its objectives? Is the EU complying with its obligations under international humanitarian law? We will answer these questions by focusing on recent developments at EU borders, particularly in Greece, Italy and Spain.

Participants: Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute; Eleni Kagiou, Greek Council for Refugees; and Blanca Garcés-Mascareñas, CIDOB.

>> The conference will be streamed here