Responding to the geopolitical needs of the European Union, such as migration control and anti-terrorism measures, has become an integral part of the EU Development Policy. However, recent events have exposed the potential inadequacy of current measures. In 2019, the European Commission announced that the migrant crisis that started off in 2014 has finally come to an end. Yet, in 2020, displaced people from war-torn territories and economic migrants continued to arrive.
Though the number of refugees is temporarily down, the actual crisis may not be about the numbers. Islam (2020) expresses an opinion that there is a lack of continuity in how EU-members are treating newcomers. While some countries are welcoming migrants, emphasizing their contribution to the European culture and economy, anti-migration hardliners such as the Czech Republic and Hungary are pushing back against the inflow. Though on paper, the EU rejects more refugees and migrants than ever, only a small part of them is actually expelled (Islam, 2020). The current situation makes one think that the problem lies not in annual growth in the number of newcomers but in the status of those who stayed.
Regarding the EU’s fight against terrorism, there is a well-founded opinion that not enough is done. In recent years, European countries have suffered from multiple terrorist attacks, and the threat remains imminent despite all efforts. Cinar (2020) opines that it is the lack of ties and communication with Turkey that put the EU at a disadvantage. Due to the geographical proximity, the EU is vulnerable to Turkey-based terrorist organizations such as Daesh. The measures become more severe as more people are sent back. Yet, such a strategy does not address the root cause.
References
Cinar, Ali. 2020. Europe Needs to Step Up in Fight Against Terrorism. TRT World.
Islam, Shada. 2020. Europe’s Migration ‘Crisis’ Isn’t About Numbers. It’s About Prejudice. The Guardian.