The commercialization of responsibilityin European Union’s migration policy Cover Image

The commercialization of responsibilityin European Union’s migration policy
The commercialization of responsibilityin European Union’s migration policy

Author(s): Natalia Szulc, Adam Szymaniak
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: Instytut Studiów Politycznych PAN
Keywords: commercialisation of responsibility; Libya; Turkey; extra territorialisation; migration policy; refugees; European Union

Summary/Abstract: Background. The extraterritorialisation of European Union’s policy has been recognised for years as an eff ective tool for combating irregular migration. The so-called migration crisis has opened a critical discussion on the compliance of eu external activities with international law. The practice of extraterritorialisation redefines the values of the West-ern world.Aim. We identify the eu’s extraterritorial activities in the area of asylum policy and irregular migration control. We have critically analysed the agreements with Libya and Turkey. On a theoretical background, we have recognised a need to extend Gammeltoft-Hansen’s concept of commercialising sovereignty. Therefore, we proposed a term of com-mercialisation of responsibility. Our proposal combines concepts of extraterritorialisation, harmful state practices and the associated consequences for human rights.Methodology. In our research we applied a qualitative methodology of social and political sciences. While maintaining a critical approach, we reviewed the narrative litera-ture. In addition, we carried out an in-depth analysis of normative acts.Results. Extraterritorial practices have been an inherent part of eu migration policy for decades. This has been confirmed by the examples of agreements with Libya and Tur-key. The deliberate political action and the commercialisation of responsibilities have shown that respecting human rights has become optional. In our view, the delegation of responsi-bility to third countries is not only a visible manifestation of Western hypocrisy, but also the collapse of the axiological foundations of the European Union.

  • Issue Year: 73/2020
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 141-169
  • Page Count: 29
  • Language: English
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