Özden Akbas

Justice and Home Affairs in Turkish-eu Relations: Transit Illegal Migration from Turkey to the Eu Özden Akbas

This study addresses transit illegal migration through Turkey to the European Union member states. While doing this, it explores three processes namely, securitization of migration, communautarisation of migration policies in European Union and integration of immigrants. As a result of a parallel reading of the Regular Reports and Turkish National Program on the Adoption of the Acquis, three issues are evaluated to constitute the main line of contention between parties. Firstly, demand by the EU from Turkey to readmit any migrant who had transited from Turkey and the reasons why Turkey has been unwilling to sign a readmission agreement with the EU are examined. Secondly, Turkey's geographical limitation to 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees is investigated. Thirdly, Turkey's demand from the EU to share the burden of processing migrants is examined. Finally, the current state of affairs between the parties is discussed. In this context, attention is drawn to the fruits of efforts Turkey has made. Also, some suggestions are made as to how the EU can support Turkey's fight against transit illegal migration.