Security & Geopolitics#4
China
Partner, competitor and systemic rival — all at once.
+2
Europe's public debates
The Agenda
62 issues shaping Europe's politics.
From Ukraine to pensions — the debates every European government and party is answering.
62 topics9 themes27 countries
2 topics
Irregular migration, borders & returns
The issue that has reshaped European politics for a decade.
In short
Irregular arrivals via the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the eastern border remain politically explosive. The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, a stronger Frontex, new return rules and deals with third countries aim to show control. Several states have reintroduced internal border checks.
Why it matters now
Implementation of the Pact, new return rules and "offshore" ideas are live in almost every national campaign.
The divide
Restrictionists
strict borders, offshore processing and more deportations
Mainstream centre
managed migration with solidarity
Humanitarian left and NGOs
legal routes and rights-based asylum.