France proposes new EU post to curb illegal migration

French officials say a new European coordinator is needed to ensure that European Union (EU) states comply more efficiently with their border control commitments.

The request comes amid a steep rise in migrants arriving in France from Italy. It is thought that the majority of these numbers are setting up makeshift camps in Calais before illegally boarding lorries bound for Britain.

This has led to accusations that France is becoming “the weak link” in EU migration policies.

European Commission President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker has already announced his intention to create a new commissioner post with “special responsibility for migration,” which will form part of a larger EU immigration plan outlined by French interior minister Bernad Cazeneuve.

Cazeneuve has outlined actions designed to regain control of the EU’s external borders, enforce asylum procedures, and increase efforts to eliminate human smuggling networks.

He commented: “We need in each of our member states a strategy in order to welcome those who must be granted asylum.”

Measures designed to limit illegal migration can have unintended consequences. Pia Orrenius compiles evidence to show that enforcement measures can lead to higher demand for smugglers, riskier crossings, and more migrant deaths.

She also demonstrates that these measures can reduce an individual’s desire to migrate legally, thus cutting the net benefits of migration. Klaus F. Zimmermann outlines the huge economic benefits that stem from circular migration.

Orrenius notes that enforcement should be regularly evaluated in order to address the underlying forces that drive migration.

Read more here.

Related articles:
Enforcement and illegal migration, by Pia Orrenius
Circular migration, by Klaus F. Zimmermann
Using a point system for selecting immigrants, by Massimiliano Tani