EU: Fortress Europe?

The European Commission will be stepping up its efforts to shore up the EU's external borders and to fight illegal immigration when it adopts the its 'border management package' on Wednesday.

The package will consist of three proposals: an electronic entry/exit system aimed at non-European visitors, a European Border Surveillance System (Eurosur) and measures to strengthen the EU's border control agency Frontex. With anti-immigrant sentiment high in the EU, the abolition of internal borders between 22 EU member states and the constant influx of illegal immigrants from Africa at the EU's southern sea border, the Commission might have a strong case to push for tighter EU external borders. However, the package forms part of a comprehensive approach to immigration by the Commission, with the long-term objective to develop a common European immigration policy. This is vehemently opposed by most member states. Not only do they fear losing control over what is regarded a strategic national interest, but also are they opposed to the 'comprehensive' aspect of the approach, which includes schemes to attract large numbers of high-skilled immigrants and measures to severely penalise employers of illegal migrants.

While most EU member states are probably in favour of stricter border controls and surveillance, they are unlikely to commit the necessary resources (as already seen in the notoriously under-resourced Frontex). Their reaction to the package is also likely to be lukewarm because the Commission might misinterpret full support as a green light for a common immigration policy.

And on the outside, the EU will be increasingly regarded as a fortress, not willing to share the success -- nor accept the consequences of -- liberalisation and free movement, a policy it is nevertheless advocating all around the world.