Samenvatting

In this study, the main obstacles which impede a common European migration policy are described. The research was mainly focused on the period between 2015 and 2019. This thesis consists of a qualitative interview and extensive desk research.
The Schengen agreement came under pressure by the migrant crisis in 2015. The temporary state of the common European migration policy has resulted in several challenges, including the revision of the Dublin III regulation. Finding a common solution for relocating migrants in member states of the European Union is an important issue on the European agenda. The different responses regarding irregular migration to member states of the European Union were described in this study. The purpose of this research is to investigate what the main obstacles are that impede a full agreement on a common European migration policy.

The motivation for this thesis is the disproportionate burden of migrants due to the Dublin III Regulation. The migrant crisis has resulted in disunity between several European member states concerning the relocation of migrants. For example, Hungary and Germany share a different view concerning the acceptance of migrants. This thesis aims to give a contemporary analysis of European migration policy and how the migrant crisis has affected a full agreement on a common European migration policy.

This thesis was written as part of the bachelor study European Studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. This research includes a qualitative interview with Mr. Robbert van Lanschot, a former diplomat at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and renowned author and journalist. To provide an analysis of European migration policy, academic sources were included in this research. Moreover, articles, treaties of the European Union, press releases were analysed and the essential information regarding migration policy was applied.

The research has found that there is not enough support of various European member states to reach a full agreement on a common European migration policy. However, there is enough support for improving the protection of the external borders of the European Union to reduce the migrant influx. The Dublin III regulation has proved to be ineffective. If amended, it could lead to a more equal distribution of migrants.