Rome, IAI, July 2019, 5 p. (IAI Commentaries ; 19|44), 2019
Italy’s coalition government led by Giuseppe Conte and composed of the Five Star Movement (Movime... more Italy’s coalition government led by Giuseppe Conte and composed of the Five Star Movement (Movimento 5 Stelle – M5S) and the League party is celebrating itself as a transformational force on migration policy compared to its predecessor. However, its policy choices, combined with a broader nationalist push and a neglect of careful diplomacy in relations with traditional allies and neighbours, have caused Italy to progressively lose influence and credibility at both the European and multilateral level. It is also a self-defeating approach, given that ultimately Italy will need external support in order to address migratory flows.
This paper is the result of a joint project by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (Rome) and the... more This paper is the result of a joint project by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (Rome) and the Elcano Royal Institute, promoted by the Italian Embassy in Madrid. It provides a broad view of the evolution of Spanish and Italian external migration policies through a closer examination of their approach towards the Sahel region and in light of the broader EU policy context. The analysis focuses on the historical background, migratory contexts, policy tools, perspectives, interests and strategic preferences of these two key EU Member States. Its aim is to encourage an improved and broadened dialogue between the two countries, ultimately contributing to increased cooperation on external migration policies.
FEPS - Foundation for European Progressive Studies, 2019
The Mediterranean has always represented a main source of opportunities and challenges for Italy’... more The Mediterranean has always represented a main source of opportunities and challenges for Italy’s domestic and foreign policy. This strategic importance has also stemmed from the role that this region played in the construction and integration process of the European Union. The fact that both regions in the north and south of the Mediterranean Sea are currently experiencing deep internal crises does not diminish the importance of this geopolitical space and the EU’s resolution to project its influence over it. This report addresses the broad topic of ‘Italy in the Mediterranean’ in order to shed light on the drivers, priorities and concrete actions Italy has pursued vis-à-vis this region in the period 2016-2018. It argues that domestic and geopolitical changes as well as the lack of cohesion and solidarity among EU member states on specific issues, particularly migration, have been responsible for some important changes that have occurred in Italy’s Mediterranean approaches.
When The New York Times made headlines in the migration world with its recent article “At French ... more When The New York Times made headlines in the migration world with its recent article “At French Outpost in African Migrant Hub, Asylum for a Select Few” about the French refugee agency’s role in the UNHCR humanitarian evacuation scheme, it was not long before the magical concept of “extraterritorial processing” resurfaced. This article takes a look at the UNHCR Emergency Transit Facility in Niger and the role of the French refugee agency.
Many have described 2017 as a turning point for Italy’s external migration policies. A large port... more Many have described 2017 as a turning point for Italy’s external migration policies. A large portion of responsibility has been ascribed to Marco Minniti, a veteran of Italy’s secret services and since December 2016 Minister of the Interior in the centre-left coalition government led by the Democratic Party (Partito Democratico, PD). But what have been the fundamentals of Italy’s migration policy and what can one expect of these policies following the Italian elections on 4 March 2018?
An analysis of Italy's (and the EU's) external migration policy in Libya and Italy's possible com... more An analysis of Italy's (and the EU's) external migration policy in Libya and Italy's possible complicity for Libya's violations under international law.
This Brief analyses the EU’s external policy on migration and asylum and the trend of externalizi... more This Brief analyses the EU’s external policy on migration and asylum and the trend of externalizing migration control to neighbouring countries. It highlights how the current pro-active momentum in EU policy represents a chance for Italy as a frontline country to direct on-going discourse towards long-term and protection-sensitive solutions. Throughout the last years, and in response to the increase in flows entering European soil via the Eastern and Central Mediterranean routes, the EU has strengthened its attempts to reduce entries by externalizing migration control instruments and concluding agreements with neighbouring countries such as Turkey. More recently, Italy has resumed its cooperation with Libya signing a bilateral memorandum, which has been immediately endorsed and reinforced by the EU. In doing so, to a certain extent an old externalization and securitization approach has been replicated, which has long demonstrated its shortcomings if not counterbalanced by protection and cooperation instruments. The lack of a longterm cooperation perspective, the inability of partners to provide for the security and proper treatment of migrants on their territory, the absence of intra-EU solidarity and the lack of differentiation of flows are just some of the problematic aspects such approach has been criticized for. This Brief calls upon EU Member States, with a special emphasis on Italy and other frontline countries, to advocate for a common European external asylum and migration policy which moves away from securitization and externalization towards real cooperation with its neighbourhood and a protection-sensitive entry system. Concrete suggestions are formulated, aimed at reconciling the legitimate focus on border security with the safeguard of fundamental values and with the ,need to attain long-term results.
2016 has been sold as the year of innovative EU external migration policies. Have recent EU decis... more 2016 has been sold as the year of innovative EU external migration policies. Have recent EU decisions and initiatives in this field really represented a change in direction? This paper argues that the EU's external migration policy has long been based on the principles of externalization of migration control and conditionality in the relationship with third countries. The securitization of the EU's external borders has long existed along with the lack of adequate legal migration channels. This has come at the cost of the protection of migrants' and especially refugees' rights. The EU-Turkey agreement and the New Partnership Framework are examined in order to assess whether they represent a change of this trend or merely its latest manifestation. The paper concludes that, despite some clear steps forward in 2016, there is still much left to do in order to create a real framework of common external migration action which moves away from securitization and externalization towards a protection-sensitive entry system.
Report from the field trip and seminar held in Berlin on 8 May 2017 and organized by Stiftung Mer... more Report from the field trip and seminar held in Berlin on 8 May 2017 and organized by Stiftung Mercator, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Istanbul Policy Centre (IPC) and Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) within the framework of the project “Turkey, Europe and the World: Political, Economic and Foreign Policy Dimensions of Turkey’s Evolving Relationship with the EU” (Global Turkey in Europe).
The Global Turkey in Europe (GTE) project established a platform to discuss and analyse the rapid... more The Global Turkey in Europe (GTE) project established a platform to discuss and analyse the rapid transformation of Turkey in a European and global context. In its fifth year, GTE focuses on the multiple dimensions of EU–Turkey relations, ranging from economy, energy, conflicts and security to migration and the role of civil society. The first event of the fifth GTE programme, held in Paris on 15 December 2017, discussed the issue of economic partnership between the EU and Turkey, with a particular attention to the upgrading of the customs union and its possible economic and political effects on Brussels–Ankara relations.
Rome, IAI, July 2019, 5 p. (IAI Commentaries ; 19|44), 2019
Italy’s coalition government led by Giuseppe Conte and composed of the Five Star Movement (Movime... more Italy’s coalition government led by Giuseppe Conte and composed of the Five Star Movement (Movimento 5 Stelle – M5S) and the League party is celebrating itself as a transformational force on migration policy compared to its predecessor. However, its policy choices, combined with a broader nationalist push and a neglect of careful diplomacy in relations with traditional allies and neighbours, have caused Italy to progressively lose influence and credibility at both the European and multilateral level. It is also a self-defeating approach, given that ultimately Italy will need external support in order to address migratory flows.
This paper is the result of a joint project by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (Rome) and the... more This paper is the result of a joint project by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (Rome) and the Elcano Royal Institute, promoted by the Italian Embassy in Madrid. It provides a broad view of the evolution of Spanish and Italian external migration policies through a closer examination of their approach towards the Sahel region and in light of the broader EU policy context. The analysis focuses on the historical background, migratory contexts, policy tools, perspectives, interests and strategic preferences of these two key EU Member States. Its aim is to encourage an improved and broadened dialogue between the two countries, ultimately contributing to increased cooperation on external migration policies.
FEPS - Foundation for European Progressive Studies, 2019
The Mediterranean has always represented a main source of opportunities and challenges for Italy’... more The Mediterranean has always represented a main source of opportunities and challenges for Italy’s domestic and foreign policy. This strategic importance has also stemmed from the role that this region played in the construction and integration process of the European Union. The fact that both regions in the north and south of the Mediterranean Sea are currently experiencing deep internal crises does not diminish the importance of this geopolitical space and the EU’s resolution to project its influence over it. This report addresses the broad topic of ‘Italy in the Mediterranean’ in order to shed light on the drivers, priorities and concrete actions Italy has pursued vis-à-vis this region in the period 2016-2018. It argues that domestic and geopolitical changes as well as the lack of cohesion and solidarity among EU member states on specific issues, particularly migration, have been responsible for some important changes that have occurred in Italy’s Mediterranean approaches.
When The New York Times made headlines in the migration world with its recent article “At French ... more When The New York Times made headlines in the migration world with its recent article “At French Outpost in African Migrant Hub, Asylum for a Select Few” about the French refugee agency’s role in the UNHCR humanitarian evacuation scheme, it was not long before the magical concept of “extraterritorial processing” resurfaced. This article takes a look at the UNHCR Emergency Transit Facility in Niger and the role of the French refugee agency.
Many have described 2017 as a turning point for Italy’s external migration policies. A large port... more Many have described 2017 as a turning point for Italy’s external migration policies. A large portion of responsibility has been ascribed to Marco Minniti, a veteran of Italy’s secret services and since December 2016 Minister of the Interior in the centre-left coalition government led by the Democratic Party (Partito Democratico, PD). But what have been the fundamentals of Italy’s migration policy and what can one expect of these policies following the Italian elections on 4 March 2018?
An analysis of Italy's (and the EU's) external migration policy in Libya and Italy's possible com... more An analysis of Italy's (and the EU's) external migration policy in Libya and Italy's possible complicity for Libya's violations under international law.
This Brief analyses the EU’s external policy on migration and asylum and the trend of externalizi... more This Brief analyses the EU’s external policy on migration and asylum and the trend of externalizing migration control to neighbouring countries. It highlights how the current pro-active momentum in EU policy represents a chance for Italy as a frontline country to direct on-going discourse towards long-term and protection-sensitive solutions. Throughout the last years, and in response to the increase in flows entering European soil via the Eastern and Central Mediterranean routes, the EU has strengthened its attempts to reduce entries by externalizing migration control instruments and concluding agreements with neighbouring countries such as Turkey. More recently, Italy has resumed its cooperation with Libya signing a bilateral memorandum, which has been immediately endorsed and reinforced by the EU. In doing so, to a certain extent an old externalization and securitization approach has been replicated, which has long demonstrated its shortcomings if not counterbalanced by protection and cooperation instruments. The lack of a longterm cooperation perspective, the inability of partners to provide for the security and proper treatment of migrants on their territory, the absence of intra-EU solidarity and the lack of differentiation of flows are just some of the problematic aspects such approach has been criticized for. This Brief calls upon EU Member States, with a special emphasis on Italy and other frontline countries, to advocate for a common European external asylum and migration policy which moves away from securitization and externalization towards real cooperation with its neighbourhood and a protection-sensitive entry system. Concrete suggestions are formulated, aimed at reconciling the legitimate focus on border security with the safeguard of fundamental values and with the ,need to attain long-term results.
2016 has been sold as the year of innovative EU external migration policies. Have recent EU decis... more 2016 has been sold as the year of innovative EU external migration policies. Have recent EU decisions and initiatives in this field really represented a change in direction? This paper argues that the EU's external migration policy has long been based on the principles of externalization of migration control and conditionality in the relationship with third countries. The securitization of the EU's external borders has long existed along with the lack of adequate legal migration channels. This has come at the cost of the protection of migrants' and especially refugees' rights. The EU-Turkey agreement and the New Partnership Framework are examined in order to assess whether they represent a change of this trend or merely its latest manifestation. The paper concludes that, despite some clear steps forward in 2016, there is still much left to do in order to create a real framework of common external migration action which moves away from securitization and externalization towards a protection-sensitive entry system.
Report from the field trip and seminar held in Berlin on 8 May 2017 and organized by Stiftung Mer... more Report from the field trip and seminar held in Berlin on 8 May 2017 and organized by Stiftung Mercator, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Istanbul Policy Centre (IPC) and Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) within the framework of the project “Turkey, Europe and the World: Political, Economic and Foreign Policy Dimensions of Turkey’s Evolving Relationship with the EU” (Global Turkey in Europe).
The Global Turkey in Europe (GTE) project established a platform to discuss and analyse the rapid... more The Global Turkey in Europe (GTE) project established a platform to discuss and analyse the rapid transformation of Turkey in a European and global context. In its fifth year, GTE focuses on the multiple dimensions of EU–Turkey relations, ranging from economy, energy, conflicts and security to migration and the role of civil society. The first event of the fifth GTE programme, held in Paris on 15 December 2017, discussed the issue of economic partnership between the EU and Turkey, with a particular attention to the upgrading of the customs union and its possible economic and political effects on Brussels–Ankara relations.
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Papers by Anja Palm
Throughout the last years, and in response to the increase in flows entering European soil via the Eastern and Central Mediterranean routes, the EU has strengthened its attempts to reduce entries by externalizing migration control instruments and concluding agreements with neighbouring countries such as Turkey. More recently, Italy has resumed its cooperation with Libya signing a bilateral memorandum, which has been immediately endorsed and reinforced by the EU.
In doing so, to a certain extent an old externalization and securitization approach has been replicated, which has long demonstrated its shortcomings if not counterbalanced by protection and cooperation instruments. The lack of a longterm cooperation perspective, the inability of partners to provide for the security and proper treatment of migrants on their territory, the absence of intra-EU solidarity and the lack of differentiation of flows are just some of the problematic aspects such approach has been criticized for.
This Brief calls upon EU Member States, with a special emphasis on Italy and other frontline countries, to advocate for a common European external asylum and migration policy which moves away from securitization and externalization towards real cooperation with its neighbourhood and a protection-sensitive entry system. Concrete suggestions are formulated, aimed at reconciling the legitimate focus on border security with the safeguard of fundamental values and with the ,need to attain long-term results.
Throughout the last years, and in response to the increase in flows entering European soil via the Eastern and Central Mediterranean routes, the EU has strengthened its attempts to reduce entries by externalizing migration control instruments and concluding agreements with neighbouring countries such as Turkey. More recently, Italy has resumed its cooperation with Libya signing a bilateral memorandum, which has been immediately endorsed and reinforced by the EU.
In doing so, to a certain extent an old externalization and securitization approach has been replicated, which has long demonstrated its shortcomings if not counterbalanced by protection and cooperation instruments. The lack of a longterm cooperation perspective, the inability of partners to provide for the security and proper treatment of migrants on their territory, the absence of intra-EU solidarity and the lack of differentiation of flows are just some of the problematic aspects such approach has been criticized for.
This Brief calls upon EU Member States, with a special emphasis on Italy and other frontline countries, to advocate for a common European external asylum and migration policy which moves away from securitization and externalization towards real cooperation with its neighbourhood and a protection-sensitive entry system. Concrete suggestions are formulated, aimed at reconciling the legitimate focus on border security with the safeguard of fundamental values and with the ,need to attain long-term results.