边境奇观

CIDOB Opinion 592, dated September 2019, explores the complexities surrounding the European Union's management of migration and asylum seekers, particularly focusing on the 'border spectacle'. This term refers to the comprehensive process of determining who can enter and who cannot, which involves exclusion and state sovereignty. The report highlights the tragic aspects of this process, such as deaths, detentions, and deportations of migrants, which are integral parts of the border spectacle.

The document underscores how the normalization of deaths in the Mediterranean region has contributed to the naturalization of the border, yet in recent years, there has been a shift towards externalizing border control to neighboring countries. This strategy aims to move the border and associated risks further south, thereby reducing the number of deaths. Despite this, the issue remains prevalent as the plight of migrants is often hidden from public view.

Moreover, the report points out that the increasingly common practice of delaying rescue ships off European coasts carries a political message and stages a dispute over responsibility for accepting migrants. The EU's response to managing migrant arrivals has revealed a crisis in its foundational structures, leading to debates over shared responsibility and commitment among member states.

In the context of Spain, both the conservative People's Party (PP) and the social-democratic Socialist Party (PSOE) have acknowledged the issue of migrant arrivals. However, their responses have been characterized by a lack of clear responsibility, with the government of Pedro Sánchez initially deferring to the significant number of immigrants who had arrived in Spain in 2018.

The report highlights the contrasting views on solidarity across different regions within Europe. Eastern European nations perceive solidarity as a voluntary act, while northern European countries tend to view the border as distant and often perceive the southern countries' issues as their own. This division, combined with a lack of willingness to engage in collective action, exacerbates the crisis.

The document concludes that the current situation in Europe is characterized by a divided, distrustful, and suspicious union where the focus is on defending individual interests rather than committing to shared responsibilities. This is exemplified by the ongoing deadlock over creating an effective European protocol for disembarkation and relocation, as well as the continued reliance on the Dublin System, which is deemed ineffective, expensive, and unfair in terms of responsibility distribution among member states.

In essence, the CIDOB Opinion suggests that the real crisis lies in the crisis of the European Union's foundational principles and its ability to function effectively in addressing migration challenges. This crisis, according to Ivan Krastev, could potentially lead to the dissolution of the European Union as it currently exists. The prolonged delays in handling rescue operations serve as a stark reminder of the state of the European Union and the ongoing challenges it faces in managing migration.