Towards a Common EU Immigration and Asylum Policy

Europe is sometimes defined as a land of immigration, despite itself. With the progress of the regional integration process since the 1950s,1 it has become a magnet. Immigration was initially considered a temporary phenomenon. Security considerations subsequently took precedence while such issues as the “need for labour” and “social inclusion” were given little attention. Yet the trend towards demographic decline and population ageing has made them relevant (Withol de Wenden 2007). The European approach has gradually become richer and more complex in both conceptual and institutional terms. While it nevertheless attempts to incorporate other domains such as relations with third countries, development aid and employment and integration, the security paradigm remains dominant.

West African Mobility and Migration Policies of OECD Countries

Towards a Common EU Immigration and Asylum Policy

What are the Stakes for West Africa ?