The impact of the migrant crisis on regional integration: A case of the European Union. [Unpublished masters thesis]. University of Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The overarching objective of this study is to examine the impact of migrant crisis on regional integration particularly focusing on EU integration process. In order to critically examine the implications of migrants on EU integration, the study also investigated the evolution of the migrant by tracing the Europe migrations trends since World War I up to date. The study also examined the historical developments of the EU since 1950s to the present day. The study solely focused on Europe as the case study for examining the phenomenon understudy. The research methodology was qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were used to collected primary data from participants who were selected through purposive sampling techniques. Documentary research was also used to gather data from secondary sources of data both print material and online material. The researcher utilised thematic and content data analysis to analyse and structure the presentation of the research findings. The World Systems theory, Federalism theory and the neo-functionalism theory was adopted as the framework for analysis data collected. This study presumed that migrant crisis has posed serious challenges to the continued existence of the EU. These challenges include the rise of Anti-EU political parties, increased acrimony and decreased solidarity among member states, securitisation of the migrant crisis and the decreased leadership of the so-called EU engine countries such as Britain, France and Germany. The study also presupposed that the migrant crisis would be an opportunity for Europe to counter the impending shortage of labour. The overarching objective of this study is to examine the impact of migrant crisis on regional integration particularly focusing on EU integration process. In order to critically examine the implications of migrants on EU integration, the study also investigated the evolution of the migrant by tracing the Europe migrations trends since World War I up to date. The study also examined the historical developments of the EU since 1950s to the present day. The study solely focused on Europe as the case study for examining the phenomenon understudy. The research methodology was qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were used to collected primary data from participants who were selected through purposive sampling techniques. Documentary research was also used to gather data from secondary sources of data both print material and online material. The researcher utilised thematic and content data analysis to analyse and structure the presentation of the research findings. The World Systems theory, Federalism theory and the neo-functionalism theory was adopted as the framework for analysis data collected. This study presumed that migrant crisis has posed serious challenges to the continued existence of the EU. These challenges include the rise of Anti-EU political parties, increased acrimony and decreased solidarity among member states, securitisation of the migrant crisis and the decreased leadership of the so-called EU engine countries such as Britain, France and Germany. The study also presupposed that the migrant crisis would be an opportunity for Europe to counter the impending shortage of labour force due to the aging population phenomenon. Nonetheless, this study concludes that the migrant crisis may not necessarily result in the disintegration of the EU in the near future but might render it a loosely integrated Union. The study recommends that EU member states should accept the world political realities on the migrant crisis and strive to balance regional interests and national interests in responding to the current surge of migrants. This would help the EU to adopt an effective multilateral approach (that is acceptable to all member states) in order to successively address the migrant crisis and at the same amending the fault-lines that have been exposed by the phenomenon.ur force due to the aging population phenomenon. Nonetheless, this study concludes that the migrant crisis may not necessarily result in the disintegration of the EU in the near future but might render it a loosely integrated Union. The study recommends that EU member states should accept the world political realities on the migrant crisis and strive to balance regional interests and national interests in responding to the current surge of migrants. This would help the EU to adopt an effective multilateral approach (that is acceptable to all member states) in order to successively address the migrant crisis and at the same amending the fault-lines that have been exposed by the phenomenon.