DOCSLIB.ORG

Risk Analysis for 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Risk Analysis for 2019 Risk Analysis for 2019 Risk Analysis for 2019 Plac Europejski 6, 00-844 Warsaw, Poland T +48 22 205 95 00 F +48 22 205 95 01 [email protected] www.frontex.europa.eu Warsaw, February 2019 Risk Analysis Unit Frontex reference number: 1218 / 2019 Cover photo: Border guards on patrol – Indalo Operation © Frontex, 2018 – Francesco Malavolta All rights reserved. Paper version: PDF version: TT-05-18-089-EN-C TT-05-18-089-EN-N ISBN 978-92-9471-316-2 ISBN 978-92-9471-315-5 doi:10.2819/224322 doi:10.2819/86682 FPI18.0143 DISCLAIMERS This is a Frontex staff working document. This publication or its contents do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Frontex concerning the legal status of any country, territory or city or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. All maps and charts included in this report are the sole property of Frontex and any unauthorised use is prohibited. Frontex disclaims any liability with respect to the boundaries, names and designations used on the maps. WThroughout the report, references to Kosovo* are marked with an asterisk to indicate that this designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Frontex Risk Analysis for 2019 has been prepared by the Frontex Risk Analysis Unit. During the course of developing this product, many colleagues at Frontex and outside contributed to it and their assistance is hereby acknowledged with gratitude. 2 of 52 Frontex · Risk Analysis for 2019 Table of contents 1. Preface 6 2. Summary 8 3. Introduction 11 4. Methodology 12 5. Situational analysis of 2018 15 5.1. Surveillance: Overview 16 5.2. Border checks: Clandestine entry 18 5.3. Border checks: Refusals of entry 19 5.4. Border checks: Fraudulent documents 20 5.5. Situation of asylum in the EU by EASO 22 5.6. Illegal stayers and arrested people smugglers 24 5.7. In the EU: Returns 25 6. Featured analyses 27 6.1. Interviews of migrants 28 6.2. Children in migration: overview of arrivals at the external borders in 2018 30 6.3. Making return data more useful and an outlook for 2019 34 6.4. From crisis response to preparedness: changing priorities in Member States’ migration policy 36 7. Outlook and conclusions 38 8. Statistical annex 40 3 of 52 Frontex · Risk Analysis for 2019 4 of 52 Frontex · Risk Analysis for 2019 List of acronyms used BCP border-crossing point CRI common risk indicator EASO European Asylum Support Office EASO EPS European Asylum Support Office Early Warning and Preparedness System EC European Commission EDF European Union Document-Fraud EDF-RAN European Union Document-Fraud Risk Analysis Network EMN European Migration Network EU European Union EU+ 28 EU Member States plus Norway and Switzerland Eurodac European Dactyloscopy Eurojust European Union’s Judicial Cooperation Unit Europol European Police Office Eurostat Statistical Office of the European Union FRAN Frontex Risk Analysis Network Frontex European Border and Coast Guard Agency (formerly European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union) FTF foreign terrorist fighter ICJ International Court of Justice ID identification document IOM International Organization for Migration JO Joint Operation MRCC Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre MS EU Member State NGO non-governmental organisation SAC Schengen-Associated Country SAR search and rescue UK The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNSCR United Nations Security Council resolution 5 of 52 Frontex · Risk Analysis for 2019 Portuguese Navy on patrol – Themis Operation, 2018 © Frontex 1. Preface In 2018, the number of detections of illegal The Eastern Mediterranean saw only migratory flows, but also for the effec- border-crossings reached its lowest level slightly fewer detections than the West- tive identification of vulnerable groups. in five years, but migratory pressure re- ern Mediterranean route. With 56 561 il- Checks at the external borders are one mained relatively high at the EU’s exter- legal border-crossings, the pressure was of the main safeguards of the Schengen nal borders. The total figure fell 27 % from 34 % higher than in the preceding year Area. Frontex monitors Europe’s borders the previous year to 150 114 and was 92 % be- due to the increase in land crossings 24 hours a day, seven days a week, help- low the peak of the migratory crisis in 2015. from Turkey to Greece. ing the EU face challenges and threats This was in large part due to the dramatic Frontex, the European Border and at its borders, including threats related fall in the number of migrants on the Cen- Coast Guard Agency, maintains a strong to cross-border crime and prevention of tral Mediterranean route, where the num- presence at Europe’s external borders. terrorism. The Agency is able to respond ber of detections plunged 80 % to 23 485. The Agency ran three permanent oper- quickly and effectively to challenges at Meanwhile, both the Western Med- ations in Spain, Greece and Italy, as- the external borders, shoulder-to-shoul- iterranean and the Eastern Mediter- sisting EU Member States that faced the der with EU Member States and Schen- ranean routes saw an increase in the highest migratory pressure. On average, gen Associated Countries. This integrated detections of illegal crossings last year. some 1 500 border guards are deployed approach, which brings together the ef- The Western Mediterranean became in Frontex joint operations, along with forts of Frontex and other EU agencies, the most frequently used route into Eu- vessels, planes, helicopters, patrol cars along with EU institutions and national rope. The pressure on Spain has been ris- and other equipment. authorities, is a key factor to address ir- ing over the last years, and the number Last year, Frontex began to collect de- regular migration and cross-border crime of detections in 2018 reached 57 034, dou- tailed data on the sex and the age of ir- at the external borders. ble the number from 2017. The number of regular migrants. Nearly one in five of all Despite the falling migratory pres- departures from Morocco increased five- the detected migrants last year claimed sure in the Central Mediterranean, the fold. Most of the migrants taking this to be under the age of 18. This new de- fight against criminal smuggling net- route last year came from sub-Saharan velopment is crucial not only for a bet- works at the external borders remains countries, but the number of Moroccan ter monitoring and understanding of the in our focus. In 2018, Frontex continued nationals also increased significantly. dynamics and composition of incoming collecting information from voluntary 6 of 52 Frontex · Risk Analysis for 2019 © Frontex interviews with migrants in the Cen- reinforcing and coordinating border con- The situation in the countries out- tral, Eastern and Western Mediterranean trol activities in Member States. side the EU also has a direct impact on area in the framework of PeDRA (Pro- In 2018, the Agency substantially Europe’s borders. Frontex is monitoring cessing Personal Data for Risk Analysis). strengthened its activities aimed at the countries neighbouring the EU iden- The vast majority (84 %) of the migrants returning irregular migrants to their tified through risk analysis as countries interviewed claimed that they were fa- countries of origin. Last year, we helped of origin and / or transit for illegal immi- cilitated by smuggling networks. Bor- Member States return 13 729 people who gration. The aim is to better address chal- der guards are also the first filter at the do not have the right to remain in the EU lenges at EU borders. Frontex has become external borders when it comes to the to their countries of origin. We launched more active in countries neighbouring detection of potential terrorist threats. a successful trial of conducting returns the EU that are affected by migration This is done through screening, registra- on commercial flights to nearly 50 des- and cross-border crime, including the tion, document checks or voluntary in- tinations and we have significantly in- Western Balkans, where the EU signed terviews. We work closely with Europol creased our pre-return assistance to an agreement on cooperation on bor- and other European agencies sharing Member States. der management between Albania and this information. To help Member States better prepare the European Border and Coast Guard Over the last few years, the European for potential challenges at their borders, Agency. The Agency also has three liai- Union and its Member States have been for the second year Frontex conducted son officers outside the EU based in Tur- facing major challenges related to mi- the vulnerability assessment to evalu- key, Niger and Serbia. gration and security. As a response, a ate the border control capabilities of EU Together with its partners, Frontex, number of changes have been imple- member states. the European Border and Coast Guard mented when it comes to border con- Last year, the Agency further devel- Agency, will continue to contribute to trol and management. These include oped its network of liaison officers to EU the safety and security at the EU’s ex- the amendment of the Schengen Bor- Member States. Those officers help Fron- ternal borders and its citizens and to the ders Code, the establishment of the EU tex in the exchange of information with well-functioning of the European Area of Entry / Exit System and the adoption of partners at national level, and contribute Freedom, Security and Justice.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • BORDER SECURITY.Pdf
    COMMITTEE ON THE CIVIL DIMENSION OF SECURITY (CDS) BORDER SECURITY Special Report by Lord JOPLING (United Kingdom) Special Rapporteur 134 CDS 19 E rev. 1 fin | Original: English | 12 October 2019 134 CDS 19 E rev.1 fin TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1 II. LAND BORDERS: THREE HOTSPOTS ................................................................................. 1 A. US-MEXICO BORDER .................................................................................................. 1 B. THE WESTERN BALKANS ROUTE .............................................................................. 7 C. CEUTA AND MELILLA: SPANISH ENCLAVES IN NORTH AFRICA ............................. 9 III. MARITIME ROUTES: AN UPDATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN........ 10 IV. AIRPORT SECURITY 18 YEARS AFTER 9/11: NEW CHALLENGES ................................. 15 V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................... 18 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................. 21 134 CDS 19 E rev.1 fin I. INTRODUCTION 1. In the past several years, the ability to protect the external borders of Europe has been tested by the extraordinary movement of people fleeing violence and poverty in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The security of borders has become a top priority for many Allies, from the United States
    [Show full text]
  • Search and Rescue, Disembarkation and Relocation Arrangements in the Mediterranean Sailing Away from Responsibility? Sergio Carrera and Roberto Cortinovis No
    Search and rescue, disembarkation and relocation arrangements in the Mediterranean Sailing Away from Responsibility? Sergio Carrera and Roberto Cortinovis No. 2019-10, June 2019 Abstract Search and Rescue (SAR) and disembarkation of persons in distress at sea in the Mediterranean continue to fuel divisions among EU member states. The ‘closed ports’ policy declared by the Italian Ministry of Interior in June 2018, and the ensuing refusal to let NGO ships conducting SAR operations enter Italian ports, has resulted in unresolved diplomatic rows between some European governments and EU institutions, and grave violations of the human rights of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean. This paper examines how current political controversies surrounding SAR and disembarkation in the Mediterranean unfold in a policy context characterised by a ‘contained mobility’ paradigm that has materialised in the increasing penalisation of humanitarian SAR NGOs, a strategic and gradual operational disengagement from SAR activities by the EU and its member states, and the delegation of containment tasks to the Libyan coast guard (so-called ‘pullbacks’), a development that has been indirectly supported by EU institutions. These policies have contributed to substantially widen the gap in SAR capabilities in the Central Mediterranean. This research has been conducted under the ReSOMA project. ReSOMA receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement 770730. The opinions expressed in this paper are attributable solely to the authors in a personal capacity and not to any institution with which they are associated, nor can they be taken in any way to reflect the views of the European Commission'.
    [Show full text]
  • Operation Themis Impaginato Eng.Pdf
    Since almost five years now, the agency to handle it, its mandate has migratory phenomenon that from the been widen and strengthen North African and Middle Eastern transforming Frontex in the European coasts crosses the Mediterranean Sea Border and Coast Guard Agency. Going and arrives in the European territory into details, Frontex is today able, in keeps on representing a challenge for emergency situations, to quickly deploy 2 those States and the agencies of the border and coast guard officers from a European Union (EU) that struggle rapid reaction pool of at least 1.500 containing it. With time many EU-led men and women. Moreover, among the operations, in which Italy has always other functions it performs, the agency had a determining role, have been shares the intelligence collected on launched for handling the crisis. The people suspected of being involved in most recent one started on the first of criminal activities with national February 2018, it is called Themis and is authorities and other European managed by the EU agency Frontex. institutions. It is precisely in this new First of all, it is relevant to remind that framework that operation Themis in Frontex was founded in 2005 as the the central Mediterranean Sea was European Agency for the Management born, replacing the previous Frontex of Operation Cooperation at the operation named Triton. Therefore, External Borders. Its task, in fact, was with the end of identifying the change to help States of the Union of path the agency has made by implementing the communitarian rules launching Themis, it is necessary to about checks at the borders of the recall tasks, operational area, successes Schengen area, ensuring that the and failures of Triton.
    [Show full text]
  • Analytical Report
    Funded by the European Union Analytical Report Social Capital and Transnational Human Smuggling: What is the Impact of Counter-Smuggling Policies? Andrew Fallone May 2021 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andrew Fallone is a researcher at the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Govern- ance, focusing on the impact of migration management policies. His professional background includes time with the German Federal Employment Agency’s Institute for Employment Research, the United Nations, and the governments of Palestine and Liechtenstein. He previously studied International Rela- tions at American University in Washington, D.C. and served as the Executive Editor of the World Mind journal. Prague Process Secretariat International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Gonzagagasse 1 A-1010 Vienna Austria www.pragueprocess.eu © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permis- sion of the copyright owners. This publication was produced in the framework of the ‘Prague Process: Dialogue, Analyses and Training in Action’ initiative, a component of the Mobility Partnership Facility II project, with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and the ‘Prague Process: Dialogue, Analyses and Training in Action’ initiative, and do not represent the views of the European Union. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The defining characteristic of the transnational market for human smuggling is the agentive choice by migrants to purchase services in order to facilitate their transportation across state borders. This broad definition includes a large variety of transactions between migrants and actors performing distinct roles, based on the nuances of diverse local dynamics.
    [Show full text]
  • Centre Suisse Pour La Défense Des Droits Des Migrants
    Case postale 171 CH-1211 Genève 8 Tél : 022 807 07 14 Fax : 022 807 07 01 [email protected] www.centre-csdm.org Geneva, 4 December 2020 Submission of information to the OHCHR pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 43/1 on Policing the Central Mediterranean: mass drownings and systematic torture of persons of African descent. “States and the ICC-Prosecutor should examine whether investigations for crimes against humanity or war crimes are warranted in view of the scale, gravity and increasingly systematic nature of torture, ill- treatment and other serious human rights violations … as a direct or indirect consequence of deliberate State policies and practices of deterrence, criminalization, arrival prevention, and refoulement”.1 Nils Melzer, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment 1 Special Rapporteur on torture quoted in Itamar Man et al., 2018, EJIL: Talk!; https://www.ejiltalk.org/time-to- investigate-european-agents-for-crimes-against-migrants-in-libya/. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE I. Executive Summary 3 II. Policing the Central Mediterranean 9 A. Drownings 9 a. Termination of EU and Italian Rescue Activities in the 9 Mediterranean b. Redefining Sea-Rescue as a Crime: the Obstruction of NGO 14 Search and Rescue Efforts c. Closing Ports 16 i. Italy 16 ii. Malta 22 B. Torture and Ill-treatment 29 a. Italy and Pull-Backs to Torture: a Case Study on Refoulement 29 by Proxy i. Background to Bilateral Cooperation between Italy and 29 Libya ii. The Memorandum of Understanding of February 2017 33 and its Renewal in February 2021 iii.
    [Show full text]
  • EU Asylum, Borders and External Cooperation on Migration
    EU asylum, borders and external cooperation on migration Recent developments IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service Authors: Nikolai Atanassov and Anja Radjenovic Members' Research Service PE 625.194 – September 2018 EN This publication takes stock of recent EU developments in the area of asylum, borders and external cooperation on migration. It presents the major policy and legislative initiatives put forward by the EU in order to respond to on-going migratory challenges, focusing on three major aspects: reforming the common European asylum system (CEAS), strengthening the EU's external borders and reinforcing the EU's external cooperation on migration. The paper builds on previous research and analysis delivered by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS). AUTHOR(S) Nikolai Atanassov and Anja Radjenovic, EPRS. This is an updated edition of a paper drafted by Nikolai Atanassov, Costica Dumbrava, Maria-Margarita Mentzelopoulou and Anja Radjenovic: PE 621.878. To contact the authors, please email: [email protected] LINGUISTIC VERSIONS Original: EN Translations: DE, FR Original manuscript, in English, completed in May 2018. Updated edition completed in September 2018. DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT This document is prepared for, and addressed to, the Members and staff of the European Parliament as background material to assist them in their parliamentary work. The content of the document is the sole responsibility of its author(s) and any opinions expressed herein should not be taken to represent an official position of the Parliament. Reproduction and translation for non-commercial purposes are authorised, provided the source is acknowledged and the European Parliament is given prior notice and sent a copy.
    [Show full text]
  • Research Report: Secondary Movements of Asylum Seekers in the EU
    Secondary movements of asylum seekers in the EU Research Report ACVZ The Advisory Committee on Migration Affairs (Adviescommissie voor Vreemdelingenzaken, ACVZ) consists of ten experts. The ACVZ is an independent advisory body established by law. The Committee advises the government and the Parliament on migration issues. It examines policy and legislation and indicates possible areas of improvement. The ACVZ issues practical recommendations that are aimed at solving both existing and anticipated problems. Publication details Obermann, L., Vergeer, S., ‘Secondary movements of asylum seekers in the EU: Research Report’, submitted to the Minister for Migration. An ACVZ publication, The Hague 2020 Reference: 57 – 2020, January 2020 ISBN: 978-90-8521-086-3 Advisory Committee on Migration Affairs Turfmarkt 147 2511 DP The Hague Email: [email protected] Website: www.acvz.org Tel.: +31 (0)70 3704300 Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction 7 1.1 Request for advice: how do EU(+) Member States deal with secondary movements of asylum seekers? 8 1.2 What are secondary movements? 9 1.3 Research methods, scope and limitations 10 1.3.1 Research methods 10 1.3.2 Scope 11 1.3.3 Limitations 11 1.4 Guide to reading this research report 12 Chapter 2 The Dublin system 15 2.1 Dublin criteria 16 2.2 Take charge or take back requests and time limits 17 2.3 Termination of the obligations 18 2.4 Dublin IV? 19 2.4.1 Proposal by the European Commission 19 2.4.2 Opinion of the European Parliament 20 2.4.3 Division in the Council 21 Chapter 3 Extent and characteristics
    [Show full text]
  • Central Mediterranean Route:The Deadliest Migration Route
    IN FOCUS MARCH 2 2018 THE CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE:THE DEADLIEST MIGRATION ROUTE The increase in the numbers of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers traveling in mixed migratory movements continues to be a major political and humanitarian challenge. North Africa is affected as a region of origin, transit and destination for those who have left their homes fleeing war, conflict, discrimination, and those seeking to improve their opportunities and to build a better future. North Africa is a complex migratory hub characterized by major inter-regional movements which in the last several years has witnessed a large increase in the numbers of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers looking to reach Europe. Equally, thousands of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers continue to be claimed by the Mediterranean as they attempt the journey by sea from North Africa. This document aims to shed some light on the factors contributing to the increased risk to life and safety along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. THE ROUTES The Mediterranean is home to three main migratory routes used by migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to cross irregularly into Europe. They are the Central Mediterranean Route (CMR) which refers to the sea journey from North Africa (mainly Libya) to Italy, the Eastern Mediterranean Route (EMR) which refers to the sea crossing from Turkey to Greece and the Western Mediterranean Route (WMR), the sea crossing from Morocco to mainland Spain and land crossings into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. While the number of arrivals through the EMR had decreased significantly in recent years, and some decreases were recorded along the CMR, the Mediterranean continues to be a major transit point.
    [Show full text]
  • Europe Monthly Report
    January 2018 EUROPE MONTHLY REPORT © Humans of Amsterdam/Fetching_Tigress/UNHCR/popcatter/Shutterstock.com Manaal is 14 years old. She is from Somalia and lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She dreams of being an air stewardess to "be able to travel, see Paris and have butterflies" in her stomach. TRENDS AND KEY FIGURES Mediterranean Between 1 and 31 January 2018, over 8,000 people arrived via the Mediterranean to Europe, an 11% increase compared to the same month in 2017 during which over 7,200 arrived. Arrivals duing January comprised 8,0101 of 19% children, 13% women and 68% men. arrivals in 2018 In Italy, the number of refugees and migrants arriving by sea in January (4,200) dropped 6% compared to last January (4,500), but the number 2271 crossing from Libya dropped approximately 25% with increased arrivals estimated dead/missing in 2018 from Tunisia, Turkey and Algeria. Those crossing from Tunisia are almost all Tunisian nationals while only Algerians arrived from Algeria. While arrival numbers had dropped compared to last January, they had Greece Italy increased compared to December, including due to the rescue of three large vessels carrying around 300 persons each, mostly from Eritrea. 1,630 4,190 Eritreans were the primary nationality of sea arrivals in January with nearly 3215 2,364 1,633 5,645 2,327 4,189 Nov Dec Jan Nov Dec Jan 1,200 persons (28% of all arrivals), with Tunisians (15%) and Pakistanis (7%, many of whom had crossed from Turkey), second and third. Some 200 2 Libyans had crossed the sea to Italy in January compared to just 1,200 in Spain Cyprus all of 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Humanitarian Visas
    Humanitarian visas European Added Value Assessment accompanying the European Parliament's legislative own- initiative report (Rapporteur: Juan Fernando Lo pez Aguilar) The European Parliament legislative own-initiative reports drawn up on the basis of Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning on the European Union (TFEU) are accompanied by a European Added Value Assessment (EAVA). These assessments are aimed at evaluating the potential impacts and investigating the potential EU added value of proposals made in legislative own-initiative reports. This particular EAVA accompanies the legislative own-initiative report prepared by the Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) (Rapporteur: Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, Spain)), presenting recommendations to the Commission on EU legislation on Humanitarian visas (2017/2270(INL)). Firstly, it assesses the impacts of the status quo, in which 90 % of those granted international protection reach the European Union through irregular means. It argues that the EU and its Member States' failure to offer regular entry pathways to those seeking international protection undermines the achievement of their Treaty and fundamental rights obligations. This situation also has severe individual impacts in terms of mortality and damage to health, negative budgetary and economic impacts. Secondly, it assesses the potential added value of three shortlisted policy options for EU action in the area of humanitarian visas: a 'visa waiver' approach, limited territorial visas for asylum seeking purposes and, EU-wide international protection application travel permits. Finally, it concludes that EU legislation on humanitarian visas could close this effectiveness and fundamental rights protection gap by offering safe entry pathways, reducing irregular migration and result in increased management, coordination and efficiency in the asylum process, as well as promoting fair cost-sharing.
    [Show full text]
  • EU External Migration Policy and the Protection of Human Rights
    IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS Requested by the DROI subcommittee EU External Migration Policy and the Protection of Human Rights @Adobe Stock Policy Department for External Relations Directorate General for External Policies of the Union PE 603.512 - September 2020 EN DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EXTERNAL POLICIES POLICY DEPARTMENT IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS EU External Migration Policy and the Protection of Human Rights ABSTRACT This in-depth analysis focuses on the human rights implications of EU external migration policy interventions: (1) identifying human rights obligations owed to third-country nationals when engaging in cooperation with third countries and non- EU actors; (2) assessing the means and level of compliance with these obligations when designing and implementing the main policy instruments; and (3) determining the existence and adequacy of operational, reporting, monitoring and accountability mechanisms available in each case to track and respond to potential violations. Particular attention is paid to soft-law tools, on account of their enhanced potential to erode the enforceability of obligations, to downgrade democratic accountability and generally undermine the rule of law. Paving the way for the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, special emphasis is placed on cooperation under the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility, the EU Agenda on Migration and the Migration Partnership Framework, including informal arrangements concluded by Frontex or by the Member States themselves. Four case studies guide the analysis and illustrate findings: (1)
    [Show full text]
  • Promising Words from the EU Commission on Sea and Rescue Operations – Yet Real Change Remains Absent
    Promising Words from the EU Commission on Sea and Rescue Operations – Yet Real Change Remains Absent Author: Johanna Schrödl In the following, I discuss the recent developments of the European Union’s (EU) approach towards search and rescue (SAR) operations carried out at its sea borders, especially the ones conducted by vessels from civil society organisations in the Mediterranean. The strong statement from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, that “saving lives at sea is not optional“ (von der Leyen, 2020, m. 1:12) when releasing the New Pact for Migration and Asylum by the European Commission in the end of September 2020, set expectations and hopes high to make up for the mistakes and failings of the last years. The Pact includes a specific document on recommendations for SAR in the Union, which shows that the Commission indeed acknowledges the problems at the sea borders and the urgent need for changes in the current system. The Commission Recommendation on cooperation among Member States concerning operations carried out by vessels owned or operated by private entities for the purpose of search and rescue activities outlines the principles on which SAR is based and the direction it should develop to (European Commission, 2020). To understand the importance of this recommendation, it is helpful to look at the development of the last years. In 2013, Italy started the SAR operation Mare Nostrum, responding to several shipwrecks in the Mediterranean that year. This operation was able to rescue about 150.000 migrants in 10 months (IOM, 2014). It was succeeded by Frontex´s Triton operation and the military operation EU Naval Force Mediterranean Sophia (EUNAVFOR MED) in 2014 and 2015, that already focused less on rescue but rather on border management and reduction of illegal border crossings (Cusumano, 2018).
    [Show full text]