梅利利亚 ， 再走一步

CIDOB Opinion 727 discusses the increasing tension and violence at borders, particularly highlighted by the tragic events at the Melilla border fence on June 24, 2022. The report underscores the escalation of images and rhetoric surrounding border incidents, with European leaders, notably Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, referring to these events as "violent attacks" against national territorial integrity, despite acknowledging the loss of lives. This response is seen as a further step in the ongoing narrative that portrays migrations as a question of national defense.

Two main narratives support this new shift:

1. Europe's focus on traffickers as the primary cause of migration crises. By blaming traffickers for the dangerous journeys migrants undertake, Europe attempts to portray itself as more humane and less culpable for the risks migrants face. This narrative serves to absolve European nations of responsibility and emphasizes the inhumanity of those on the other side of the border.
2. The strategic use of migration by various governments, such as Turkey, Morocco, and Belarus, for coercive purposes. In these instances, Europe has condemned the "indecent" use of refugees, yet simultaneously acknowledges the complexity of the situation.

The Melilla incident exemplifies a shift in the language and actions taken by European authorities, with statements and policies suggesting a willingness to pay any price to deter migration, regardless of the methods employed. This approach is characterized by swift declarations of threats to national security and the deployment of national armies along borders.

The report highlights the paradoxical nature of European rhetoric versus actions, noting the performative power of narratives in shaping policy decisions. However, it also points out that these narratives are increasingly being challenged by the global visibility of events like those at Melilla, which highlight the discrepancy between Europe's stated values and practices.

The danger lies in the continued focus on border control and the assumption that addressing the root causes of migration is secondary to maintaining national security. The report concludes by emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the narratives and policies that contribute to the worsening situation at borders, advocating for a more comprehensive approach that acknowledges the complex realities faced by migrants and the geopolitical pressures driving migration patterns.