Illegal Migration in Turkey-EU Relations: An Issue of Political Bargaining or Political Cooperation?
Illegal Migration in Turkey-EU Relations: An Issue of Political Bargaining or Political Cooperation?

Summary/Abstract: Since the beginning of Turkey-EU accession process, migration has been one of the most challenging aspects of the negotiation process. In regard to illegal migration, Turkey distinguishes itself from other countries on the EU’s external borders because of its size, long and porous borders, and its bridging position between Europe, Asia and Middle East. Politically and economically, Turkey is a relatively stable country in its wider region, and therefore largely affected by influx of illegal migrants. Addressing illegal migration has been a central part of development of the EU’s common migration policy that is often criticized as being restrictive, securitized and externalized. Turkey, as a candidate state, is faced with an increasing political pressure to deal with the phenomenon of illegal migration under the EU rules. However, the EU requirements are often in conflict with the Turkish migration policy of “deliberate indifference”. This article tries to see how illegal immigration and transit migration are viewed in Turkish context and it analyses the dynamics behind Turkish policy-making during its accession process to the EU. It is obvious that illegal migration is a complex phenomenon that requires joint management policies, therefore this paper tries to assess current nature of cooperation between Turkey and the EU in this field.

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