The commercialization of responsibility in European Union’s migration policy

Abstract

Background. The extraterritorialisation of European Union’s policy has been recognised for years as an effective 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 Western 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 commercialisation 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 literature. 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 Turkey. The deliberate political action and the commercialisation of responsibilities have shown that respecting human rights has become optional. In our view, the delegation of responsibility to third countries is not only a visible manifestation of Western hypocrisy, but also the collapse of the axiological foundations of the European Union.