Josephine Bush

Professor Verzichelli
EU Scenario
Due January 2017

European Unity on Migrational Policy and Security

Introduction

Around the world the European Union (EU) is recognized as an institution that promotes

democracy, a growing economy and means to a stable and secure life. Since the end of World

War II Europeans came together to support fiscal growth and to establish closer ties across

borders while still recognizing and allowing the integrity of each single country to continue to

flourish. The EU was birthed nearly 60 years ago, but the year of 1993 marked the beginning of

the EU as we know it today, and since then it has grown both regionally and economically. The

European Union is unlike other unions because while it is small it offers 28 contrasting cultures

who come together under a common goal of unity, security and peace.

The world is drastically being reshaped because of globalization, the threats of terrorism,

a steady flow of migrants from the Global South and extremist parties who are against the

surplus of migrants. Although the rate of migration continues to grow rapidly, Europe must come

together under collective EU policies and welcome migration. If the European Union is able to

make a respected umbrella policy that trumps national policies, Europe will grow further

economically, unite peoples instead of dividing them, and continue to be a role model of

democratic practices for the whole word. The unity of the the EU is vital to the security and well
being of Europe and union policies are necessary for the growth of the union and the pivotal role

Europe plays on the global level.

A Changing World

The collective identity of Europe will continue to guide foreign policies for years,

however, if the EU disintegrates they will risk the loss of stability, human rights and common

goals for citizens. The changing world demands the participation of the EU, if the EU wants to

support peace on a global level. According to the EUs strategy policy for 2016, Shared Vision,

Common Action: A Stronger Europe, the European Union must pick up their external strategies

from the chaos in the Middle East, the fragile states in Africa and migration into Europe. The EU

as an institution believes in goals of reforming their current migration policies and making them

more effective. However, it is necessary for European citizens to grasp supporting migration

rather than opposing it, as it will lead to a safer and better world to live in. The EU strategy states

that they will,

We will significantly step up our humanitarian efforts in these countries, focusing on education,
women and children. Together with countries of origin and transit, we will develop common and
tailor-made approaches to migration featuring development, diplomacy, mobility, legal
migration, border management, readmission and return. Through development, trust funds,
preventive diplomacy and mediation we will work with countries of origin to address and
prevent the root causes of displacement, manage migration, and fight trans-border crime. We will
support transit countries by improving reception and asylum capacities, and by working on
migrants education, vocational training and livelihood opportunities. We must stem irregular
flows by making returns more effective as well as by ensuring regular channels for human
mobility (European Union Global Strategy, pg. 27, 2016).

On paper these strategies look and sound progressive but historically there has always

been issues with migration into Europe and solving the flaws will be a grueling task. Some

countries of the EU become transit countries who never see the economic benefit of migrants and
within countries there are many rising populist parties and individuals who do not want

migration to happen at all. The EU has a job first and foremost to keep their citizens in Europe

safe, but they also need to continue to educate the populous about the benefits of migration.

Migration is a critical component to the economic growth of the EU. Europe is an old

land with a very low birthrate. According to a Foreign Policy article by Philippe Legrain,

Europe Needs to Let Migrants in,

Its working-age population is declining, while the number of pensioners that European workers
need to support is soaring as the postwar baby-boom generation retires en masse. Young,
hardworking, tax-paying newcomers would be a shot in the arm for Europes senescent
economies. They would help spread the huge burden of public debt over more shoulders, to the
benefit of the existing population. They can do tough jobs that young Europeans with higher
aspirations spurn, like picking fruit and caring for the elderly. Many have valuable skills that can
be put to good use, in hospitals, in engineering, or in computing. Others are likely to become
entrepreneurs (Legrain, Foriegn Policy, 2015).

According to Legrain, the initial influx of migration is bit like starting a business. The

initial costs of hosting migrants and absorbing them into society are upfront and costly but

according to Legrain the hard work pays off. Legrain notes, and for those who arrive in a new

country without contacts or a conventional career, its the natural way to get ahead. Last but not

least, newcomers diversity and dynamism can help spur new ideas, on which Europes future

growth depends ((Legrain, Foriegn Policy, 2015). The EU is in the position to help citizens

understand the benefits of migration.

Migration will not stop even if isolation and populistic movements succeed. This is

because we are living in such a globalized world and the interconnection and movement of

people is inevitable. To continue to ream the benefits of a globalized world, goods from

everywhere and overall advancements, migration is a key component.

 Populist Movements fuel Europes Division

Migration poses a threat on various dimensions of European society, from the threat of

terrorism to the idea of change of European ideals and lifestyles. Due to the surge of terrorist

attacks both on and off Western soil, we have noticed a significant rise of anti-immigration

sentiment. People are scared, and rightfully so, yet it is necessary to understand being anti-

immigration is deeply threatening to our world in general. Further division will lead to more

turmoil across borders and more terrorist attacks. If the EU is able to create a policy reform that

promises the protection of their citizens but also promotes migration in an organized fashion the

world will continue to be dependent on the EU, and the EU can also support the growth of other

parts of the world, therefore supporting humanity.

According to Patrick Watsons Newsmax article, Brexit or Not, Europe Is Falling

Apart, the EU is falling apart because the people want to be heard and the EU does not

represent a real democracy. This is largely because of the bureaucrats in Brussels use a one size

fits all approach to the EU, and because there is no one who identifies as a Europeaner but

rather as a person from one of EUs state-nations. From a financial standpoint the working class

of many countries believe their wages have fallen because of big government and may vote

against leaving the EU because they believe it will support a monetary flow into middle class

jobs (Watson, Newsmax, 2016). It is true that the integrity of the EU needs to be reshaped.

However, the fall out of the EU would not be beneficial to Europes economic landscape in the

long run. In opposition to Watson, it is necessary to maintain and grow the EU because the close

proximity of the countries they will always be forced to rely on each other in various instances

and will always be affected by the policies of one another. If European policies can take
precedent to national policies, while still safe-guarding the individual state, the EU will become

the worlds diplomatic super power.

In 2016, the European Union lost the UK and months later the United States elected a

populist leader, Donald Trump. After the Second World War Europe prided itself because of its

ability to come together and promote differences and that is what the EU is founded on. The risk

of further populous and isolationist parties will not only divide Europe but it will further shake

the world, leaving it more dismantled than ever before. The global scene is currently divided,

especially after the results of Brexit and Donald Trump as the U.S presidential elect. However,

while these notions have motivated other populist parties, Europe must combat these divisions,

find unity and not follow suit. If Europe responds in a like way there is much at stake. On the

other hand, if Europe rises to the occasion and creates a land of unity it will give hope and create

a pathway for others to follow.

In order to combat populist parties within the European Union, the EU must work

extensively to promote security within Europe and also educate the people about the importance

of unity. Many people think migration and higher rates of terrorism correlate. In reality

prejudices and divisions within nations will promote further extremist acts. According to Tony

Blair, former prime minister of Britain, EU unity has never been more important. In his article

released January of 2016, EU unity has never been more important, he says because of the

extreme rate at which the East is growing, the only way Europe will continue to hold their place

in the market and withstand their legacy is if they are able to be a stronger collective unit.

Regarding security and unity he states,

 ...in the field of security, the way forward is for European countries to work more closely
together, not pull apart. The challenge of radical Islamism should provoke greater cooperation
across European nations borders. The terrorists are planning their outrages without regard to
international borders (Tony Blair, The Office of Tony Blair, 2016).

Mere months after Brexit and days after the election of Donald Trump much of Europe

will follow with their own rise of populist parties. These parties are shaped around various ideas

and many of them hold their own values. Most populist parties have gained momentum and

support because people are rising against establishment and political corruption but often the

platform offers dangerous, isolationist reforms. According to an article in The Speigel Trump

Election Boosts European Populists, the populist election in the United States has inspired many

similar, radical politicians around the world. For instance, Marine Le Pen, the leader of the Front

National preached seven days after the Trump election about how Islam is destructing France and

how she will get France out of the EU. Not only has she drafted supporters in France but also

across Europe who want to destroy the EU. Trump showed many radical parties that the

unthinkable was possible and normal politicians can be defeated.

For the vast majority populist parties all are anti-government, financial establishments,

and political institution, but they are also against immigration and largely against Islam. There

are populist parties who are also very progressive, who want to fight for gay rights and abortion

rights but also oppose immigration. Because some radical parties campaign on behalf of many

progressive movements they have spoken to many citizens. Similarly, in the United States they

may see many voters vote for their party because they agree with one or two policies but not

their overall slander. This movement is dangerous. The EU must take action today to appeal to its

citizens. Europe itself is small and because of its size it needs the nations to forge together rather

than fall apart. If the EU falls apart as an institution and isnt able to make umbrella policies,
Europe will lose its stronghold as meaningful global player. Although these large uniform

policies will make a difference, a large problem the EU has had in gaining the trust of citizens

has been in its lack of ability to act quickly and thoroughly.

An EU immigration policy has not come far enough according to Adrian Lancashires

Euronews article, EU migration policy long on diversity, short on unity. For instance, many

EU countries do not agree on splitting the costs of asylum-seeker or their distribution. In

Hungary they largely tried to keep asylum seekers out while the French Foreign Prime Minister

Laurent Fabius said it was Europes duty to lend a helping hand. The lack of common agreement

has created turmoil within the EU that must be addressed. Most specifically, the notion of fear

among citizens must be addressed. Through education, classes, and the spread of ideas the

European Union can help citizens come together.

In the past two years Europe has seen an extreme influx of migrants, especially those who

are seeking asylum in Europe because of having to leave war-torn countries. According to The

New York Times article, by Steven Erlanger and James Kanter, Plan on Migrants Strains the

Limits of Europes Unity, as of September, 2015, the EU made the decision as a union to take in

120,000 asylum seekers and to distribute them among member states. Although this number is

much larger today, and definitely much larger in certain countries than others, the general notion

has created divides within the EU. There has been a growing population against the EU because

of the economic stability in Greece, the support of the EU currency and most recently the

migration issue. The former British foreign minister, David Miliband said, If the E.U. is

incompetent, compassion is not enough. Specifically, if Brussels bureaucrats are going to

continue to make rules and establish them, they must put plans into actions efficiently.
 The EU, comprised of 28 different countries also offers a wide variety of ideas, but when

countries join the EU they have an understanding and agreement they will share the tasks of the

EU. The former Italian Ambassador, Stefano Stefanini stated,

Countries like Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and some others react as if when they
joined they didnt sign up to share thousands of asylum seekers, or impose collective sanctions
on Russia over Ukraine. Once you join, all of a sudden you realize you cant make all decisions
on your own as before and that Schengen is great, but that you also lose control over your
borders ( Erlanger & Kanter, The New York Times, 2015).

It is of common agreement with the benefits of the EU, each state also has to play their

part in the union.

Mr. Stefanini noted that the EU has never been one to act quickly when addressing issues.

They take their time and debate it but issues such as migration demand quick responses because

it is happening everyday. A former German Ambassador, Mr. Stanzel, reported saying the EU

would figure it out (the refugee crisis) but would need to set up reception offices in front-line

countries. Europe will continue dealing with migration year after year but how the union handles

their time will greatly define Europes future. Either they follow the United States and U.K. lead

and become a series of isolationist nations, or they forge the way of the world, showing how if

implemented correctly, migration and diversity leads to human advancement.

The Power of Education

Citizens must understand that their identity as a citizen of a nation will continue to come

first. The EU is meant to not create one European culture but instead to continue to celebrate

contrasting cultures within Europe. The EU offers many opportunities to its citizens, from cross-

border travel without a passport to studying in other European countries. President and Vice-

Chancellor of the University of Leicester Professor Paul Boyle said,

Unity is our strength leading universities like Leicester are even stronger inside the EU as our
membership enhances research and education which, in turn, benefits British people. We know
that international collaboration increases the impact of the cutting-edge research we undertake
and in a world where many of the challenges we face are global, from cancer to climate change,
it is more important than ever that we minimise barriers to working with international partners to
share expertise and knowledge. This leads to innovations and discoveries that boost our economy
create new jobs and improve peoples lives. It is also vital that our students continue to benefit
from being taught by the best minds from across Europe through the European-funded schemes
which encourage mobility. I am unequivocal membership of the EU is good for our
universities (Boyle, University of Leicester, 2016).

In the global context, the pop-up movement of populist parties around the globe are for

people who want things to stay as nationalistic as it possibly can. However, in the midst of

globalism this is not only not possible, it is narrow minded. Migration into Europe has been

drastically increasing since post World War II. At times certain countries needed foreign workers

to boost their economy and more consistently there has been the global trend to move to the

North when the situation in the South is unfit for a good life.

In recent years, anti-immigration sentiment has risen in correlation to the increase of

terrorist attacks and radical Islam. This is the same thing in both the UK and also the United

States, and while neither Brexit is in place, or Trump is the President yet, the backlash has been

huge. The division has given way to discrimination, mosque burnings and white supremacy

movements. In a world that has worked for years to make sure we wouldnt see groups targeted

for their religion or skin color again, it must be noted that division will not bring benefits to the

the people, it will merely pull them further apart.

If the EU can go beyond educating the elite and work to educate the masses it can

establish a sense of unity. The unity of all European citizens will be vital to the safety of

everyone because once citizens can agree with each other and help people of differences, they
can create a bigger community against radicalism, instead of a divided community against

humanity.

The EU has created high standards of access to education to many people but this needs

to continue to be a primary focus. Education brings different people together to create new ideas

and to develop further on a global level. Migration and the mixture of cultures has long been

essential to the advancements and technology we have today. If these ideas can be conveyed and

people can be valued for their differences the world will grow together, instead of against one

another.

Rodney H. Clarken, a professor at the Department of Education at Northern Michigan

University wrote a paper, Eliminating Prejudice through Education: The Foundation for Justice,

Unity and Peace. According to Clarken,

Formal education can play an instrumental role in the elimination of prejudices in our world
today. We can enlist the services of the many dedicated teachers throughout the world in the
battle against these life-threatening prejudices. By introducing the scientific knowledge that
presently exists to support the concept of the oneness of humankind and the non-violent nature of
humankind, and by developing the emotional, social and moral atmosphere for the translating of
this knowledge into practice, such things as racism, sexism, classism, nationalism and
religionism can take their place along with other outmoded ideas, such as slavery and female
infanticide, in the history books as strange practices of the past (Clarken, Department of
Education at Northern Michigan).

Many forms of education do already exist, in forms of cultural exchanges and teachers

put in hours of work for the investment of our future, but it needs to go further. Clarken states,

education, both formal and informal, is the best means for creating the knowledge and attitude

needed for peace (Clarken, Department of Education at Northern Michigan).

 Although the EU does need to act quickly when addressing migration and security

policies for the coming year, education is something that can always continue to grow and is a

constant investment. Once someone is educated they give back to society.

EU Collective Policies

Since 1993 the EU transformed from being no longer an economic union but established

itself as a political union as well. As a collective whole it has evolved into an organization

spanning policy areas, from climate, environment and health to external relations and security,

justice and migration (European Union, 2016). These ideas, based on treaties, have set the EU

aside and as a global leader in humanitarian acts to combatting climate change. The EU needs to

continue to build on these values and instill the power of the collective whole into its citizens.

Europe will only continue to hold its global superior status and be a role model of

democracy if they are able to come together and continue growing. The European Union must

create plans of actions and adhere to them on a quick deadline. If European Union policies trump

the policies of nation states the growth of Europe will continue.

Therefore, some guidelines must be changed and implemented in coming months. The

EU needs a collective army and an advancement of security measures, both online and in person.

Further, all members of the EU must abide by the same general law of asylum seekers and the

spread of migrants evenly throughout the nations. Lastly, hard and soft power must be used to

help reestablish or establish better lives for the people living in the Global South.

Europe has relied on soft power techniques when dealing with externalities for years.

While soft power is essential, the need of an army is vital. There has long been talk about

establishing one, but now with NATO possibly falling apart on behalf of Trumps lack of future
participation, Europe will need to play a hard power role in external issues. Not only will a

collective army forge a more collective brand of the EU, but it will also establish a further sense

of security.

Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, has already set this plan into action

according to Telegraph article, Europe forges ahead with plans for 'EU army, by Martin Banks

and Peter Foster. The EU currently for-sees their primary actors being France, Germany, Spain,

Italy and Poland but then having further battalions. The European Union should continue to

conduct soft power in external issues, but with new issues on the horizon, there may be more

pressure than ever to oust corrupt leaders and fight against immoral sanctions. With Europe

under one unit they can support each other more than ever, both on internal security measures

and with external chaos.

On top of the necessary army, one collective migration policy needs to be in place for all

EU states. One policy would include the various types of migration, investment programs to

integrate migrants and further education for all citizens. The EU first and foremost is an

institution designed for those who are already EU citizens, however, an over-arching policy for

all migrants allows Europe to support each other collectively, instead of one country taking most

of the responsibility. This is a financial answer and a security answer. It is an investment for the

future of Europe. The initial investment would be a large upfront cost but the investment would

pay off through work boosting the economy.

Europe needs migration. This is largely because it has a very old population and

collectively low birth rate. Those migrating and seeking asylum are generally those who are also

seeking economic perspectives. While many migrants are presumably unskilled workers Europe
can both give them a new home but also give them jobs in the internal infrastructure of Europe to

harvest growth. Skilled workers will find jobs and push others up the economic ladder.

Lastly, although migration to Europe is inevitable, it can be slowed. The EU has long

played a role in external politics but now has to more than ever. This means working closely with

NGOS, regional actors and governments in the Global South to promote growth and stability.

For example, if the EU establishes an army they can also fight on the behalf of many civilians

who have risen against their corrupt governments. For instance, one place this may be very

necessary in the near future is Syria. There are many actors in this civil war and therefore it has

become a proxy war. With the new U.S. president elect Trump, the situation could change more,

especially with his interest of forging a friendship with Russias Putin. Currently the US backs

the rebels and civilians and Russia backs Assads regime because of its national interest in

Russias naval base in the Mediterranean. Europe must play a role in situations like these because

it is what largely drives migration to the North. The European Union has helped people all

around the world, but no longer can they offer just monetary contributions to the developing

world, their presence, their hard and soft power is necessary for the future of humanity. The EU

Global Strategy says,

None of our countries has the strength nor the resources to address these threats and seize the
opportunities of our time alone. But as a Union of almost half a billion citizens, our potential is
unparalleled. Our diplomatic network runs wide and deep in all corners of the globe.
Economically, we are in the worlds G3. We are the first trading partner and the first foreign
investor for almost every country in the globe. Together we invest more in development
cooperation than the rest of the world combined....Global is not just intended in a geographical
sense: it also refers to the wide array of policies and instruments the Strategy promotes. It
focuses on military capabilities and anti-terrorism as much as on job opportunities, inclusive
societies and human rights. It deals with peace-building and the resilience of States and societies,
in and around Europe. The European Union has always prided itself on its soft power and it
will keep doing so, because we are the best in this field. However, the idea that Europe is an
 exclusively civilian power does not do justice to an evolving reality. For instance, the
European Union currently deploys seventeen military and civilian operations, with thousands of
men and women serving under the European flag for peace and security our own security, and
our partners. For Europe, soft and hard power go hand in hand (European Union Global
Strategy, pg. 4, 2016).

The EU has a vision, but needs the people to stand behind it. The EU is powerful in

numbers, in history, and most importantly its value of its citizens, both Europeans citizens, and

the citizens of the world.

Conclusion

The world is being reconstructed, England voted to leave the EU, and the United States

elected a president who campaigned on a populist platform, and will likely act like no other US

politician ever has before. Much like the Arab Spring occurred in a domino effect like fashion, so

could Europe. In the next few months the EU must take action with creating a sense of stability

within Europe and creating a stronger union. The European Union as an institution must work

more quickly and develop transparency in order to gain further trust of European citizens.

Brussel officials and ambassadors have a heavy job to do, but with the implementation of these

key components the EU will continue to flourish.

Europe has always been unique because many countries living within close proximity to

one another have continued to flourish. Each nation has their own traditions and moreover, their

own languages and values. The unity of diversity under the European Union enables stronger

protection for all of Europes people. Umbrella policies regarding migration and security will

facilitate a stable and harmonious future in the development of Europe both internally and

externally. Solidarity will promote security parallel to European development.

 References

Banks, M., & Foster, P. (2016, September 6). Europe forges ahead with plans for 'EU army'
Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/06/europe-
forges-ahead-with-plans-for-eu-army/

Blair, T. (2016, January 22). Tony Blair: EU unity has never been more important. Retrieved
November 26, 2016, from http://www.tonyblairoffice.org/news/entry/tony-blair-eu-unity-has-
never-been-more-important/

Clarken, R. H. (n.d.). Eliminating Prejudice through Education: The Foundation for Justice,
Unity and Peace. Retrieved November 28, 2016, from https://rodclarken.files.wordpress.com/
2011/09/eliminating-prejudice-through-social-studies.pdf

Emboldenedby Success: Trump Election Boosts European Populists - SPIEGEL ONLINE.

(2016, November 21). Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://www.spiegel.de/international/
world/trump-election-boosts-european-populists-a-1122077.html

Erlanger, S., & Kanter, J. (2015, September 22). Plan on Migrants Strains the Limits of Europes
Unity. Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/23/world/europe/
european-union-ministers-migrants-refugees.html

Legraine, P. (2015, August 24). Europe Needs to Let the Migrants In. Retrieved November 29,
2016, from http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/08/24/europe-needs-stop-fear-mongering-and-let-
migrants-economy/

Lancashire, A. (2015, August 31). EU migration policy long on diversity, short on unity.
Retrieved November 26, 2016, from http://www.euronews.com/2015/08/31/eu-migration-policy-
long-on-diversity-short-on-unity

Mogherini, F. (2016). Shared Vision, Common Action: A Stronger Europe A Global Strategy for
the European Unions Foreign And Security Policy (Vol. 1) (European Union). Brussels,
Belgium: European Union.

Unity is our strength why it is vital to stay in the EU [Web log post]. (2016, March 18).
Retrieved November 25, 2016, from http://www2.le.ac.uk/news/blog/2016-archive/march/unity-
is-our-strength-2013-why-it-is-vital-to-stay-in-the-eu

Watson, P. (2016, June 22). Brexit or Not, Europe Is Falling Apart. Retrieved November 26,
2016, from http://www.newsmax.com/Finance/PatrickWatson/brexit-europe-britain-vote/
2016/06/21/id/734907/