Abstract
The purpose of the chapter is to assess and link the issues of migration flows with the accession process of the Balkan countries and the European Union enlargement policy. The chapter argues that despite the recent changes in the EU commission's policy towards the candidate countries there is more to be done to foster the process and encourage domestic reforms in the countries. The chapter examines the process of migration along the Balkan migration route from 2001 till 2021 and its influence on the European Union policy and the policy of Balkan countries. The author links the issue of migration flows with the accession process of the Balkan countries, traces the connection between the issue of migration flows with the European Union enlargement, and analyzes the legal steps taken by the EU and the countries of the region in order to control the process of migration.
TopIntroduction
From Athens (Greece), to Aarhus (Denmark), the migration crisis has been acknowledged as a litmus test for European politicians. Since 2015, the Balkan Route has been the key migrant trail, which has been used by a vast majority of applicants for international protection in the European Union (Jungwirth, 2017). Migration to Europe is recognized as being the most important issue that affects social, political and economic spheres of life in European states.
The Balkan route has become not only a legal and illegal way to the Central and Western European countries, but also a part of the more complicated phenomenon that affects domestic and foreign policy of the European Union (EU) and the countries of the region in the light of the EU enlargement. The Balkan migration route serves as a challenge and an obstacle for many countries, both the EU members and the candidates.
The aim of the chapter is to assess and link the issues of migration flows with the accession process of the Balkan countries and the European Union enlargement policy. It examines the ways of accelerating the process, setting the question whether the EU and the Commission in particular possess appropriate tools to deal with the candidate countries and the issues of migration. The chapter argues that, despite the recent changes in the EU commission’s policy towards the candidate countries, there is more to be done to foster the process and encourage domestic reforms in the countries. It highlights disadvantages in the domestic and foreign policy of both sides.
The chapter examines the process of migration along the Balkan migration route from 2001 till 2021 and its influence on the European Union policy and the policy of Balkan countries. The author links the issue of migration flows with the accession process of the Balkan countries, traces the connection between the issue of migration flows with the European Union enlargement, and analyzes the legal steps taken by the EU and the countries of the region in order to control the process of migration.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Illegal Immigration: Is understood as entry, residency, employment, and transit of foreign citizens in a country in violation of current laws and existing order.
Migrant: Is a person who changes his or her place of usual residence, across an international border, temporarily or permanently, and for a variety of reasons. The term refers to all those on the Balkan route travelling to Europe, including people who intend to seek asylum and may later gain refugee status. The term ‘migrant’ is used in a broad sense and involves groups of people including refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, smuggling and human trafficking victims, minors, and undocumented people.
Irregular Migration: Movement of people that takes place outside the laws, regulations, or international agreements governing the entry into or exit from the State of origin, transit, or destination.
Candidate EU Countries: Include Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidates to the European Union due to the fact that they don’t fulfill the requirements of the EU membership.
Balkan Migration Route: Is one of the largest routes with numerous cases of illegal border crossings. It is as a constant way for illegal travelling and a gate to Europe for many migrants.
European Union “Enlargement Policy”: Is a policy applied to countries currently aspiring to join the EU and potential candidates.
Transit Countries: Are perceived as the countries that migrants pass through to a destination country.