Migrants in the Mediterranean: No Quick Fixes

Confronted with a sharp rise in the arrivals of irregular migrants in the Mediterranean, the European Union is abuzz with high-level gatherings and policy proposals. At a joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers on 18 May 2015, the EU launched a military operation to 'identify, capture and destroy vessels before they are used by traffickers'. That plan requires both a UN Security Council resolution and an agreement with the authorities in Libya, where there are several entities competing for legitimacy.

Military grandstanding may turn out to be a disaster for the EU’s image in the world—aside from causing collateral deaths. That explains why the EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, was careful to stress after the May 18 meeting that the EU was intent on disrupting the smugglers’ networks, rather than on destroying boats.

Yet despite the catchy headlines and bold rhetoric, the EU is confronted with old habits and worrying new trends for which there are no quick fixes.

ESO: Background information: Managing migration better in all aspects: A European Agenda on Migration http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-managing-migration-better-in-all-aspects-a-european-agenda-on-migration/

ESO: Background information: Council establishes EU naval operation to disrupt human smugglers in the Mediterranean http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-establishes-eu-naval-operation-to-disrupt-human-smugglers-in-the-mediterranean/

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

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