France’s Migration Policy under President E. Macron: A European Dimension

Abstract

This article explores the current approach of France to the issue of regulating migration in the context of Emmanuel Macron’s European diplomacy. Today the French government believes that taking part in the elaboration of a common EU migration and asylum policy is a necessary addition to the measures at home, paying particular attention to this topic since 2017. On the basis of public speeches, international documents and the elements of comparative analysis, the article summarizes the main initiatives put forward by France at European level and the challenges they faced. It points out that a part of Emmanuel Macron’s proposals regarding the governance of the Schengen area and the strengthening of the external borders control was implemented to some extent (taking into account the buildup of border capacities or the establishment of the “Schengen Council”), even if these proposals did not fully correspond to his initial project. On the contrary, France’s bilateral relations with its major neighbors (Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom or Italy) demonstrated a generally controversial dynamics because the partnerships on migration issues clearly depended on the political parties in power. In this regard, Italy, with the pro-European periods quickly followed by sovereignist shifts, looks like a particularly illustrative example. Moreover, numerous steps proposed by Paris to deal with the migration fl ows outside Europe often lacked any details and common ground with the partners. This is particularly noticeable in the African direction where French eff orts, from settling regional confl icts to restoring dialogue with Maghreb countries, produced insuffi cient results. The article concludes that from 2017 to 2023, France continued to seek balance between “responsible” and “solidarity-based” approaches to migration policy at the European level, and this would be the case until the end of current presidency. Yet, in 2027, the situation could change according to ideological preferences of Macron’s successor.