The European Union and Irregular Migration: A Case Study of Libya

Abstract

This study investigates the developmental stages of European Union migration policy and examines the factors behind the transformation of irregular migration from an individual member state issue to a common European affair. It traces the texts of the agreements and treaties that created the EU and which represent a program of action for managing and controlling immigration and the movement of individuals between member states and the foreign countries. The research focuses on the period following the Arab popular uprisings and the sharp increase of forced migration to Europe, and the resulting refugee crisis in the EU. European collective programs that address migration are examined to better understand the EU's approach to irregular migration, especially from Libya. The paper looks at plans to deal with the flow of immigrants from Libya, which is a starting point for many migrants and a known home of human smuggling and trafficking networks since 2011.