Interview with Michael Fix - Thinking of Europe

Michael Fix: Thinking about European migration

 Senior Vice President of the think tank Migration Policy Institute.

Here he specializes in immigration and integration policy.

Thus, he has been invited to this weekend’s EU summit

 on a new common EU migration policy.

by Simona Ion Bădulescu

Why do we need a common European migration policy?The Franco-Italian dispute over immigration under the Arab Spring has proved one essential fact: migration policy decisions adopted by a single member state may have unwanted spill-over effects for other members. It is in this situation of the lack of trust and solidarity in the EU when the issue of elaborating harmonized migration policies should be put on the agenda.

If you could insert one point in the final document, what would it be?

The Migration Policy Institute expect the main decison-makers to take all the migration aspects into account when adopting the common migration policy .  None of the  issues of migration should be omitted as only a comprehensive, solid and long-sighted approach can contribute to the sound migration. This could be a  powerful tool for supporting EU’s economic growth and prosperity,  but its success in accomplishing the objective depends on well-designed and carefully implemented policies.

What is the greatest obstacle to a common migration policy?

The main challenge in adopting common migration policy in the EU is the lack of mutual trust within the union as under the Arab Spring. It was compounded by the perception that some (predominantly Southern) member states are taking disproportionate responsibility for border management.  The political perception that these countries have been "burdened" by external border management, and that Northern countries have avoided taking their fair share of responsibility, has yet to be sustainably resolved.

What are the odds of a succes-

ful summit?

Considering critical weaknesses and long-held disagreements within the EU on asylum, immigration and external border control, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the summit. Obviously, the diveristy of interests and approaches of the member states to migration management makes achievement of the common migration policy a difficult task. Still, there is a belief that this meeting will demonstrate “unity in diversity” within the EU.

Who has most at stake at the upcoming summit?

The upcoming summit aims to meet the rising demand for pragmatic and thoughtful responses to the challenges and opportunities that large-scale migration presents to the countries in an increasingly integrated world. There is still concern that not all of the countries will be heard and have the equal role in influencing the common EU migration policy. This poses risk of neglecting important migration issues which can be vital to the European Union prosperity and development.

What will be the consequences of failure at the upcoming summit?

The lack of unity on migration issues which the EU demonstrated after the Arab Spring is eroding essential trust between member states. It also highlights how equity is necessary for the EU migration policy to keep working effectively. In the absence of sustainable compromise, the failure to achieve common migration policy will continue to erode trust within the EU until one external-border country is unable to live up to its border control obligations. The Italian action can be read as a warning to the EU .

What is the most important aspect of European cooperation?

The core of the European cooperation lies solidarity between countries.  In the particular area of immigration, asylum, and the movement of people, the level of solidarity necessary for EU cooperation requires a certain amount of national interest to be set aside. Populist pressure means that EU Member States are finding it harder and harder to collaborate on these issues.

What do you see as the EU’s greatest achievement?

Schengen cooperation among EU Member States can be viewed as one of the most tangible and successful achievements of European integration. It contributes to the right of free movement through which EU citizens can execise their rights to live and work in other member states.

Who is your favorite European?

So as not to input additional tension to rivalling groups in the upcoming discussion of the common migration policy,I would rather not disclose my personal preferences to any of the EU representative.  However, I hope I will be able to have formal and informal talks on migration issues with all the European politicians participating in the meeting to decide whose position sounds most reasonably.  

Where in Europe would you most like to have lunch?

Representing the Migration Policy Institute at a number of conferences, I personally had the opportunity to come to know every corner of Europe. Having rich experience in exploring this region I can assuredly state that all parts of Europe can represent a desired destination for a number of migrants.  I am looking forward to meeting the participants during the lunch in Copenhagen.