Hopkins Model United Nations

European Union Borders and

Immigration - 2017
April 19, 2023
Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the eighth annual Hopkins Model United Nations (HOPMUN) and the

committee on European Union Borders and Immigration. We look forward to meeting with you

all and engaging in lively debate!

My name is Eli Ratner, and I am a junior at Hopkins. I am mostly interested in STEM but

also enjoy learning about a wide variety of history subjects. Outside of Model UN, I spend my

time playing sports, writing for the school newspaper, and creating the yearbook. I have attended

three very different Model UN conferences and want to pass my love of MUN onto you. This is

my first time chairing a committee and I am very excited to work with all of you from the other

side of the dias and get through any unexpected challenges. This topic is very engaging and I

greatly look forward to hearing your positions and supporting you through this committee.

My name is Angelina Li, and I am also a junior at Hopkins. I love anything history

related and dedicate most of my free time and summers to extensive historical research projects.

I specialize in Asian diaspora studies and other specific ethnic studies; however, I have a passion

for European history as well! Outside of Model UN, I participate in various activities regarding

topics I am passionate about like gun violence awareness, environmental sustainability, and arts

and design. It has been an honor to attend several in-person Model UN conferences this year, and

I can’t wait to host a conference at Hopkins. Similar to Eli, this is also my first time chairing a

committee, but I am more than excited to take on this role. This topic is one with great relevance

to key issues regarding international affairs, so I anticipate a lively committee. I am eager to

meet you all and provide any support you may need.

We are expecting to have a fast-paced yet exhaustive debate, with participation from all

of our delegates. We hope that each delegation will arrive on April 19 with a holistic
understanding of this topic to ensure a productive session. Please remember that the background

guide is only a starting point for your research. Position papers are mandatory only for delegates

who wish to be eligible for an award, although we encourage all delegates to write one for their

own learning experience. Position papers are due before the start of the conference, but if you

wish to receive feedback on your paper before the conference, please submit it by Sunday, April

16 by emailing the chairs with your paper. Please use Chicago style citations.

Do not be alarmed—we understand what you are going through! We know this topic

seems very intimidating, but want to stress that there is no one “correct” answer. We only hope

that you all work together, engage in meaningful debate, and truly address the issue at hand.

Finally, our most important advice: stick to your country’s beliefs. Regardless of your own

opinions, it is imperative that you follow the laws and ideas created within your country. You are

a delegate and will be viewed as such.

Remember that the background guides provide very general information about this

situation, however it is highly encouraged that you partake in your own research and not just

regurgitate the background guide during committee. Further, do not just do general research on

the topic; know your country’s position to ensure an engaging and successful committee. We

look forward to seeing you all on the 19th!

If you have any questions or concerns with our committee, please feel free to reach out!

Good luck,

Your committee co-chairs

Eli Ratner (eratner24@students.hopkins.edu), Hopkins Class of 2024

Angelina Li (ali24@students.hopkins.edu), Hopkins Class of 2024

 TOPIC: European Union Borders and

Immigration 2017

Member states of the European Union1

1
European Union, "Easy-to-read information on the EU," accessed March 16, 2023,
https://european-union.europa.eu/easy-read_en.
Historical Background
European borders were first solidified in 1815 by the Congress of Vienna. After the

Napoleonic Wars, representatives from Britain, Russia, and Austria reset many European borders

back to their original, pre-war frontiers, dividing the former French Empire into the Kingdom of

France and dividing the Confederation of the Rhine into smaller states.2 Borders were mainly

only changed over small disputes for the next century. After World War I, the borders were

changed again. WWI resulted in a huge loss for the Central Powers—mainly Germany,

Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. This loss was shown by the reshaping of those

countries’ borders. Treaties were created that redrew these borders: the Treaty of Versailles gave

the disputed territory of Alsace-Lorraine to France, Eupen-Malmédy to Belgium, and territory in

eastern Germany to a reconstituted Poland. In the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, Ukraine, Georgia and

Finland achieved their independence from Russia who also gave up Poland and the Baltic states

of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to Germany and Austria-Hungary, as well as ceding land to

Turkey.

Following the end of World War II in 1945, several new frontiers emerged in Europe.

Germany was divided into two countries after the war, the German Democratic Republic (GDR),

a Soviet-controlled state, and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), a democratic state allied

with the United States.3 In addition, Eastern European borders, including those of Poland,

Czechoslovakia, and Hungary, were redrawn with the Soviet Union annexing a significant

portion of these countries' eastern territories. Berlin, East Germany was split into an Eastern and

2
Vivid Maps, "The Age of Borders," Vivid Maps, accessed March 17, 2023,
https://vividmaps.com/the-age-of-borders/#:~:text=The%201815%20Congress%20of%20Vienna,them%20for%20th
e%20first%20time.
3
"Cold War: Berlin Wall," History.com, accessed March 18, 2023,
https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/berlin-wall.
Western half, with its Eastern half experiencing Soviet influence while the Western half was

American-influenced. Furthermore, several Balkan states, including Serbia, Croatia, and

Slovenia, merged to create Yugoslavia. The country later broke apart in the 1990s amid ethnic

tensions and conflict.4

The European Union (EU) was formed in the aftermath of World War II with the goal of

promoting economic cooperation throughout Europe. Over the years, the EU has expanded to

include new member states, and has taken on additional roles such as promoting human rights

and democracy. Nowadays, the EU is a political and economic union consisting of 27 member

states primarily throughout Europe.

Disputes within Europe led to the formation of institutions like the European Economic

Community (EEC) in 1957 which was established by the Treaty of Rome to oversee provisions

for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among member states.5

In 1985, the EEC passed the Schengen Agreement, which marked a major milestone in

European border history. It established the Schengen Area, which turned an area of many

individual states and countries into a zone comprising 26 European countries (including 22 out of

27 current EU member states) that have abolished passports and most frontier crossings at their

mutual borders. It also established common external borders for the area and provided for

increased cooperation among member states on issues related to border security and management

by making commuting, trade, and communication easier between these countries.6 Later, in 1993

4
"The Conflict in Post-War Yugoslavia," The National WWII Museum, accessed March 18, 2023,
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/conflict-post-war-yugoslavia.
5
Library of Economics and Liberty. "European Economic Community." Library of Economics and Liberty, accessed
March 16, 2023, https://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/EuropeanEconomicCommunity.html.
6
SchengenVisaInfo.com. "Schengen Visa Countries List 2023 - SchengenVisaInfo.com." SchengenVisaInfo.com,
accessed March 16, 2023, https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/.
the EEC passed the Maastricht Treaty which made the EU official and integrated the EEC into

it.7

7
European Central Bank, "25 years of the Maastricht Treaty," ECB Explainers, accessed March 17, 2023,
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/educational/explainers/tell-me-more/html/25_years_maastricht.en.html.
This map shows the official borders put in place in all of the European countries as of 2017.8

8
The Economist. "More Neighbours, Make More Fences." Graphic Detail, January 7, 2016,
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2016/01/07/more-neighbours-make-more-fences.
Contemporary Issues
The Refugee Crisis of 2015 was one of the largest mass migrations in recent history, with

the number of asylum seekers reaching unprecedented levels. The crisis was primarily caused by

conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, particularly in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, which led to

the displacement of millions of people.9 Many refugees attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea

to reach Europe, often in dangerous and overcrowded boats, leading to numerous deaths.10

The crisis sparked intense political debate and controversy in Europe, with some

countries advocating for tighter borders and stricter immigration policies, while others called for

more humanitarian responses and the distribution of refugees across Europe. The crisis also led

to the formation of the European Union's migration policy, which aimed to address the

challenges posed by the influx of refugees and migrants. Currently, the Common European

Asylum System (CEAS) has been in place since 1999, however many countries have proposed

reforming the outdated system. The CEAS provides refugees entering Europe with specific laws

regarding their acceptance into the EU.11

The European Union has been struggling to develop a common asylum policy that can

effectively manage large-scale migration flows. There have been significant differences in the

way member states approach asylum and refugee issues, leading to tensions and disagreements

within the EU. In 2003, the EU was forced to make a decision regarding its asylum policy,

adopting the Dublin Regulation. This policy, which requires asylum seekers to apply for asylum

in the first EU country they enter, has been a particularly contentious issue.

9
UNHCR. "2015: The Year of Europe's Refugee Crisis." UNHCR. December 18, 2015.
https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/news/stories/2015/12/56ec1ebde/2015-year-europes-refugee-crisis.html.
10
UN News. "Global military spending hits new high, UN report shows." June 6, 2022. Accessed June 10, 2022.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/06/1120132.
11
European Commission. "Common European Asylum System." Migration and Home Affairs. Accessed June 10,
2022. https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/common-european-asylum-system_en.
 In 2015, Hungary became a major transit country for refugees and migrants traveling

through the Balkans towards Western Europe. In response, the Hungarian government

constructed a border fence along its borders with Serbia and Croatia, and tightened its border

controls to prevent unauthorized entry. Because of Hungary’s actions, Slovenia was flooded with

tens of thousands of migrants. Additionally, when many of these refugees were planning on

moving further north from Slovenia towards Austria, the Austrian government decided to put up

a fence at the border to keep the immigrants out.12 According to the EU, “The Schengen

provisions abolish checks at EU's internal borders, while providing a single set of rules for

controls at the external borders applicable to those who enter the Schengen area for a short

period of time (up to 90 days).”13 This event prompts many questions over whether or not this

was a violation of the Schengen Agreement.

In response to frequent attempts by migrants to illegally cross the border from Morocco

in the North African region of Ceuta and Melilla, Spain has constructed a fence over six miles

long which has been fortified with razor wire, video surveillance, and other measures to prevent

further illegal migration from Africa to Europe. Despite the fortifications, however, thousands of

African migrants have attempted to cross the border fence, resulting in frequent clashes with

Spanish and Moroccan security forces.

For the first time in 50 years, Sweden is implementing a checkpoint to require travelers to

show identification while crossing the border. In early 2016, Sweden terminated the free border

on the Oresund Bridge and now has stationed guards to ensure all travelers are European citizens

12
Migrant Crisis: Migration to Europe Explained in Graphics," BBC News, last modified October 23, 2015,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34657187.
13
European Commission, "Schengen Area," accessed March 17, 2023,
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-area_en.
and not refugees. This prompted Denmark to tighten their borders with Germany, the source of

these migrants.14

In 2016, in response to Italy’s closure of the ‘Balkan route’ in March of 2016 Austria

began building an anti-migrant barrier made of wire mesh across the Brenner Pass at the Italian

border. However, both of these countries are in the Schengen Area, and thus should not have any

formal border between them. Gianni Pitella, president of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists

and Democrats—the second largest political group in the European Parliament—stated that “this

wall violates Schengen rules and is further proof that we are working in small national groups

instead of trying to find a common solution.”15

In addition, Bulgaria has faced challenges in securing its borders, particularly its southern

border with Turkey, which has been a major transit point for migrants and refugees seeking to

enter the EU. In recent years, Bulgaria has constructed a 133-kilometer long fence along its

border with Turkey and has increased its border patrols and surveillance efforts in an attempt to

prevent illegal crossings.16 The fence is made of barbed wire and is equipped with cameras and

motion sensors.

Furthermore, Cyprus has struggled to deal with the "Green Line" which separates the

Greek south from the Turkish north and is managed by the Greek Cypriot authorities. This often

causes asylum seekers to often be stranded in the north for years awaiting asylum in the Republic

of Cyprus.17

14
Daily Mail. "Sweden launches its own Berlin Wall and orders travellers to show ID in desperate bid to halt the tide
of migrant arrivals." Daily Mail Online, 5 January 2016,
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3383612/Sweden-launches-Berlin-Wall-Denmark-desperate-bid-halt-tide-
migrant-arrivals-orders-travellers-ID-time-50-years.html.
15
The Local Italy. "Austria begins building anti-migrant barrier on Italy border." The Local Italy, April 11, 2016,
https://www.thelocal.it/20160411/austria-begins-building-anti-migrant-barrier-on-italy-boarder/.
16
Human Rights Watch. “Bulgaria: Migrants Brutally Pushed Back at Turkish Border.” Human Rights Watch, 26
May 2022, https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/26/bulgaria-migrants-brutally-pushed-back-turkish-border.
17
"Migrants & Refugees Section - Cyprus," Integral Human Development, accessed March 31, 2023,
https://migrants-refugees.va/country-profile/cyprus/.
 Later that same year, Britain funded a border wall between the English Channel and the

French Channel Tunnel. This wall became known as the “Great Wall of Calais.” Although the

United Kingdom has not joined the Schengen Agreement, this creation of a physical border

between two member states of the European Union presents a problem to the rest of the body.

In regards to Russia, several nations within the EU have recently been seeking the

construction of walls along their shared borders. Estonia plans to build a fence along its border

with Russia in order to bolster security and combat smuggling. The planned fence will be 2.5

meters tall and stretch for 110 kilometers along the border. In addition, Latvia has developed

plans to construct a wire fence on its 276 km border with Russia, designed to prevent “illegal

immigrants” from breaching the perimeter.18

18
RT, "Latvia to Build Fence on Border With Russia to Keep Migrants Out," RT News,
https://www.rt.com/news/376347-latvia-migrant-fence-russia/.
 This map outlines the common routes migrants take to reach the EU.19

Questions to Consider

1. What could a reform of the Common European Asylum System look like?

2. How will your resolution accommodate the unique circumstances of each individual

nation?

19
“Africa’s Gateway to Europe,” Vox News, https://www.vox.com/a/borders/spain-morocco.
 3. How will your resolution protect the needs of your nation while stabilizing tensions

amongst other member states?

4. How will your resolution address future crises that may influence an unprecedented

influx of migrants or refugees?

5. How will your solution determine the legality of these border fences and walls?

Country Profiles
1. Republic of Austria

a. Due to Italy’s closure of the ‘Balkan route’ in March of 2016, a route commonly

taken by migrants and refugees that passes through several Balkan countries,

Austria began building a 370-meter long fence along its border with Italy in an

effort to prevent illegal immigration and to control the influx of migrants. The

barrier, which is in its early stages of construction, will be made of wire mesh and

will be built in the Brenner Pass, a major transit route between the two countries.

The move has been criticized by Italy, which sees the fence as a violation of EU

principles and a symbol of a lack of solidarity among member states in managing

the migration crisis. The Austrian government, however, claims that the fence is

necessary to maintain border security and to prevent crime and smuggling.20

Similar to this situation, Slovenia and Austria are both members of the Schengen

20
"Austria Begins Building Anti-Migrant Barrier on Italy Border," The Local Italy, April 11, 2016,
https://www.thelocal.it/20160411/austria-begins-building-anti-migrant-barrier-on-italy-boarder/.
 Agreement, which means that there are generally no border controls at the

crossing points between the two countries. However, in response to the influx of

migrants and refugees, Austria implemented stricter border controls in 2015,

sending 2,200 soldiers to reinforce its eastern border. This led to tension with

Slovenia who accused Austria of breaking the Schengen Agreement. Despite this

tension, the two countries have maintained good relations and cooperate closely

on cross-border transportation.21

2. Republic of Bulgaria

a. Bulgaria shares borders with several other European Union (EU) member states,

including Romania and Greece, and Turkey. As aforementioned, the country has

faced challenges in securing its borders, particularly with Turkey. To prevent

illegal crossing and the massive influx of migrants, Bulgaria has recently

constructed a 133-kilometer long fence along its border with Turkey and has

increased its border surveillance.22 Despite these efforts to quell border issues,

there have been reports of human rights abuses and mistreatment of migrants and

refugees by Bulgarian border guards.23

3. Republic of Croatia

a. As a non-Schengen member state, Croatia is responsible for regulating its own

borders, including determining the conditions of entry and stay for non-EU

citizens. During the peak of the refugee crisis in 2015, Croatia faced significant

21
European Commission, "The Schengen Area and cooperation," accessed March 19, 2023,
https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen_en.
22
Human Rights Watch. “Bulgaria: Migrants Brutally Pushed Back at Turkish Border.” Human Rights Watch, 26
May 2022, https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/26/bulgaria-migrants-brutally-pushed-back-turkish-border.
23
Reuters. “Bulgaria's Fence to Stop Migrants on Turkey Border Nears Completion.” Reuters, July 17, 2014.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bulgaria-refugees-fence/bulgarias-fence-to-stop-migrants-on-turkey-border-nears
-completion-idUSKBN0FM1ZF20140717.
 challenges in managing the large influx of refugees crossing its borders.24 At the

time, Croatia implemented border control measures and some restrictions on the

movement of refugees across its territory.25 These measures were criticized by

some human rights organizations for being inconsistent with EU and international

refugee law. Overall, the regulation of immigration and refugees in Croatia is

largely determined by the country's own policies, as well as its obligations under

EU and international law.26

4. Republic of Cyprus

a. Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean that is divided into two parts: the

Greek Orthodox-majority Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of

Northern Cyprus, with a Muslim population, separated by a buffer zone. As a

gateway to Europe from the north, east, and south, Cyprus has experienced

significant waves of migration for years. This year, it had the third highest

emigration rate, the second highest immigration rate in Europe, and is projected to

have the highest number of asylum seekers in its proportion to its population, with

most coming from Syria, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. As aforementioned, a

concern of Cyprus has been the "Green Line'' which separates the Greek south

from the Turkish north and is managed by the Greek Cypriot authorities. At the

24
Integral Human Development, Section for Migrants and Refugees. "Migration Profile: Croatia." Accessed March
31, 2023. https://migrants-refugees.va/it/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/2023-CP-Croatia.pdf.
25
European Commission. "Croatian Action Plan on Integration of Beneficiaries of International Protection
2017-2019." Accessed March 31, 2023.
https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/library-document/croatian-action-plan-integration-beneficiaries-internationa
l-protection-2017-2019_en.
26
European Commission. "Governance of Migrant Integration - Croatia." Accessed March 31, 2023.
https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/country-governance/governance-migrant-integration-croatia_en.
 “Green Line,” asylum seekers are often stranded in the north for years awaiting

asylum in the Republic of Cyprus.27

5. Czechia

a. Czechia has faced challenges with migration and border control, particularly in

regards to refugees and asylum seekers. In 2015, the country was criticized by the

EU for rejecting a quota system to redistribute asylum seekers. Deputy Prime

Minister Andrej Babis of Czechia said the country would reject the European

Union’s quotas and threatened legal action if sanctions are imposed.28 The

government has also faced criticism for its treatment of refugees and migrants,

with reports of abuse and discrimination.29 In terms of physical border issues, the

Czechia shares a border with several other EU countries, including Germany,

Austria, and Poland. The government has implemented various measures to

manage the flow of people across these borders, including the deployment of

police and the construction of barriers and fences. Overall, the issue of migration

and border control remains a controversial topic in Czechia, with debates centered

around issues of national security, human rights, and EU policies. 30

6. Kingdom of Denmark

27
"Migrants & Refugees Section - Cyprus," Integral Human Development, accessed March 31, 2023,
https://migrants-refugees.va/country-profile/cyprus/.
28
Pavlík, Jan. “Czech Deputy PM Rejects Refugee Quotas, Says Country Should Fight Any EU Sanctions.” Reuters,
Thomson Reuters, 4 Aug. 2016,
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-czech-refugee-pm/czech-deputy-pm-rejects-refugee-quotas-says-country-should-
fight-any-eu-sanctions-idUSKCN10E227.
29
UNHCR. "2015: The Year of Europe's Refugee Crisis." UNHCR. December 18, 2015.
https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/news/stories/2015/12/56ec1ebde/2015-year-europes-refugee-crisis.html.
30
Pavlík, Jan. “Czech Deputy PM Rejects Refugee Quotas, Says Country Should Fight Any EU Sanctions.” Reuters,
Thomson Reuters, 4 Aug. 2016,
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-czech-refugee-pm/czech-deputy-pm-rejects-refugee-quotas-says-country-should-
fight-any-eu-sanctions-idUSKCN10E227.
 a. Denmark has implemented several physical border regulations in response to

migrants and refugees. In 2016, Denmark passed a controversial law allowing the

authorities to confiscate asylum seekers' valuables in order to pay for their stay in

the country.31 The Danish government has also implemented stricter regulations

on family reunification for refugees.32 In addition, as Sweden terminated the free

border on the Oresund Bridge, Denmark has tightened their borders with

Germany, the source of these migrants.33

7. Republic of Estonia

a. As aforementioned, in regards to Russia, Estonia plans to build a fence along its

shared border to bolster security and combat smuggling. The project is expected

to cost around 71 million euros and be completed by 2018. As the primary

reasons for building the fence, the Estonian government has cited security

concerns and the need to combat smuggling. In response, Russia has criticized the

plan, calling it an unnecessary and provocative move. In addition, critics of the

fence have argued that it will only serve to worsen relations between Estonia and

Russia, and that it is unlikely to have a significant impact on illegal activity along

the border.34

8. Republic of Finland

31
Anna Leander and Rens van Munster. "Externalization of Migration Control: EU Partnerships in Africa,"
University of Copenhagen, AMIS Working Paper Series no. 9, March 19, 2021,
https://amis.ku.dk/publications/amis-reports-and-working-papers/2021/KU_Externalization_Report_19.3.2021_PUB
LISHED.pdf.
32
Kivst, Jon. “Recent Danish migration and integration Policies,” European Social Policy Network, European
Commission, 2016.
33
Daily Mail. "Sweden launches its own Berlin Wall and orders travellers to show ID in desperate bid to halt the tide
of migrant arrivals." Daily Mail Online, 5 January 2016,
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3383612/Sweden-launches-Berlin-Wall-Denmark-desperate-bid-halt-tide-
migrant-arrivals-orders-travellers-ID-time-50-years.html.
34
RT News. "Estonia to build fence along Russian border to combat smuggling," March 21, 2016.
https://www.rt.com/news/336000-estonia-russia-border-wall/.
 a. Due in part to its geographical location, Finland is one of the EU countries with a

relatively low number of asylum seekers and irregular migrants compared to other

member states. However, the country has still faced some border issues,

particularly with the border between Finland and Russia. Finland shares a 1,340

kilometer border with Russia, which has been a source of concern for Finnish

authorities for cross-border security threats. In response, Finland has increased

border controls and surveillance along its eastern border with Russia in recent

years, including by deploying more border guards and investing in new border

control technology. In regards to treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, the

Finnish government has also faced criticism for the past decade, including

allegations of deportations to countries where individuals may face persecution or

harm.35

9. French Republic

a. France, as a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement,

generally does not have border controls at its land borders with other Schengen

countries. However, in recent years, France has taken measures to increase

security at its borders and control the flow of migrants and refugees. For example,

in 2015, France implemented checks on its borders with other Schengen countries

in response to the influx of migrants and refugees, and it has extended these

checks multiple times since then. Additionally, France has reinforced its border

controls at airports and ports, and has cooperated with neighboring countries to

35
U.S. Department of State. "Finland." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2021. March 30, 2022.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/finland/.
 enhance border security.36 France has most recently been struggling with the

influx of migrants and refugees arriving in the country, particularly in the port

town of Calais, where many attempt to cross the Channel to the UK. The French

government has implemented various measures to control the situation, such as

building a fence around the port.37

10. Federal Republic of Germany

a. With its relatively liberal asylum laws, Germany is a favored destination for many

refugees. In response, Germany has made several border regulations in response

to migrants and refugees. In 2015, when Germany experienced a massive influx

of migrants and refugees, the government introduced border controls along its

border with Austria to regulate the flow of people entering the country. This was

done to avoid overcrowding and to provide better care for the migrants and

refugees.38 Germany also built refugee camps near its borders and set up reception

centers to manage the large number of arrivals. In addition, the government

invested in improving the infrastructure and facilities in these border areas to

accommodate the influx of people. Finally, Germany established agreements with

neighboring countries to prevent illegal border crossings and to coordinate the

handling of asylum claims.39 Many Germans have welcomed the record numbers

36
European Parliament. "The Schengen Area: State of play and future challenges." May 2016,
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2016/571356/IPOL_STU%282016%29571356_EN.pdf.
37
BBC News. "Calais migrants: Work starts on UK-funded wall," September 22, 2016,
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37421525.
38
Shalal, Andrea. “Austria Latest Country to Introduce Border Controls to Curb Migrant Flow.” Reuters, Thomson
Reuters, 16 Jan. 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-europe-migrants-austria-idUKKCN0UT0P4.
39
Reuters, "German minister: 2015 migrant influx a one-off, border controls should stay," CBC News, September
17, 2016, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/germany-migrants-1.3774281.
 of refugees; however, new arrivals have also prompted far-right political

opposition.40

11. Hellenic Republic (Greece)

a. Greece has implemented several border regulations in response to the influx of

migrants and refugees. In 2012, Greece began building a 10.5-kilometer-long

fence along its land border with Turkey. The fence is made of wire mesh and has a

height of 3 meters in some areas. It is designed to prevent illegal crossings by

migrants and refugees.41 In addition, Greece has increased its coast guard patrols

in the Aegean Sea to prevent migrants and refugees from entering the country by

sea. The patrols are also tasked with intercepting boats carrying migrants and

refugees and returning them to Turkey. The Greek Migration and Asylum

Minister defined it as “necessary for our own [Greek] migration policy,” further

stating it “will be built…with or without European funding.”42

12. Hungary

a. As aforementioned, in 2015, Hungary became a major transit country for refugees

and migrants traveling through the Balkans towards Western Europe. Because of

this, the Hungarian government constructed a border fence along its borders with

its neighbors and tightened its border controls to prevent unauthorized entry.

40
Martin, Michelle. “Refugee crisis arouses fear and fury on Germany's far-right,” Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-germany-rightwing/refugee-crisis-arouses-fear-and-fury-on-ger
manys-far-right-idUSKCN0RH0KX20150917
41
John Pike, "Greece - Turkey Fence," GlobalSecurity.org,
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/gr-turkey-fence.html
42
European Council on Refugees and Exiles, "Greece: Further Fortification of Borders and More Vessels for
Hellenic Coast Guard as Situation for Refugees in Türkiye Worsens Following Earthquakes - Series of Reports on
Systematic," ECRE,
https://www.ecre.org/greece-further-fortification-of-borders-and-more-vessels-for-hellenic-coast-guard-as-situation-f
or-refugees-in-turkiye-worsens-following-earthquakes-series-of-reports-on-systematic/
 Hungary has also been criticized for its treatment of refugees and migrants,

including reports of violence and mistreatment by border guards and police

officers.43 Additionally, Hungary's border with Ukraine has also been a source of

tension, particularly in relation to the issue of dual citizenship for ethnic

Hungarians living in Ukraine. This year, Ukraine passed a law that effectively

bars dual citizens from serving in government positions, prompting Hungary to

threaten to block Ukraine's integration with NATO and the EU.44

13. Republic of Italy

a. Italy is part of the Schengen Area, which means that there are generally no border

controls at its land borders with other Schengen countries. However, since 2015,

Italy has implemented various measures to control the influx of migrants and

refugees, which includes increasing border controls at its borders with

non-Schengen countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.45 In response

to Italy’s closure of the ‘Balkan route’ in March of 2016, a route commonly taken

by migrants and refugees that passes through several Balkan countries, Austria

constructed a 370-meter long fence along its border with Italy. This has been

heavily criticized by Italian officials as a violation of EU principles and a sign of

division among EU member states.46

14. Republic of Latvia

43
BBC News. "Migration crisis: Hungary's stance hardened," 13 August 2015.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33802453 , accessed on March 19, 2023.
44
Smith, Matthew and Karla Adam. "Hungary and Ukraine spar over border dispute, raising fears of a broader
conflict." The Washington Post. December 26, 2022.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/26/ukraine-hungary-tension-border-war/, accessed on March 19,
2023.
45
AXA Schengen. "Schengen Border Control,” accessed March 19, 2023,
https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/schengen-border-control.
46
Euractiv. "Immigration: The Balkan Route Stops in Trieste," August 26, 2017,
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/immigration-the-balkan-route-stops-in-trieste/.
 a. Latvia faces border issues related to illegal immigration and smuggling. One of

the major challenges for Latvia is the transit of illegal migrants and contraband

goods through its borders with non-EU countries, particularly Russia and Belarus.

To address these issues, Latvia has increased its border security measures,

including deploying additional border guards, building walls, and enhancing

surveillance capabilities. Additionally, Latvia has implemented measures to

improve the integration of legal immigrants and refugees.47 As aforementioned, in

response to an influx of “illegal immigrants” from Russia, Latvia has begun

construction of a wire fence on its 276 km border with Russia.48

15. Republic of Lithuania

a. Lithuania has implemented several border regulations related to immigration and

refugees. In 2004, Lithuania joined the European Union (EU) and became a part

of the Schengen Area, however, Lithuania's borders with non-EU countries

remained subject to border disputes. In 2008, Lithuania became a signatory to the

UN Convention on the Status of Refugees, which required the country to accept

and process asylum applications from refugees.49 However, the country struggled

to manage the increasing numbers of asylum seekers, which led to long waiting

periods and inadequate living conditions in detention centers. Last year, Lithuania

introduced amendments to its Law on the Legal Status of Aliens, which aimed to

streamline the asylum application process and improve conditions for asylum

47
European Commission. "Governance of migrant integration - Latvia." European Union,
https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/country-governance/governance-migrant-integration-latvia_en.
48
RT, "Latvia to Build Fence on Border With Russia to Keep Migrants Out," RT News,
https://www.rt.com/news/376347-latvia-migrant-fence-russia/
49
European Parliament. "Border control, Schengen and the management of external borders in the Republic of
Lithuania." Working Paper, LIBE 104, February 2018.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/workingpapers/libe/104/lithuania_en.htm.
 seekers. The amendments also included measures to strengthen border security

and prevent illegal immigration, such as the use of electronic surveillance and

increased border patrols.

16. Portuguese Republic

a. While Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, it

shares only one land border with another EU member state - Spain. As a result,

Portugal's border issues with the EU are primarily related to its maritime borders,

specifically its role in the EU's efforts to manage migration and smuggling across

the Mediterranean.50 Portugal has participated in various EU-led operations, such

as Operation Sophia and Operation Themis, aimed at preventing illegal crossings

and rescuing migrants at sea. Additionally, Portugal has provided funding and

resources to EU agencies and NGOs working to address migration and asylum

issues in other EU member states, particularly Greece and Italy.51

17. Kingdom of Spain

a. Spain shares a land border with Morocco in the North African region of Ceuta and

Melilla, which are Spanish enclaves located on the coast of Morocco. These areas

have been the site of frequent attempts by migrants to cross the border illegally.52

The Morocco-Spain border fence is over six miles long and has been fortified

with razor wire, video surveillance, and other measures to prevent illegal

migration from Africa to Europe. Despite the fortifications, thousands of African

50
"The European Union's Southern Maritime Borders: Challenges and Responses," European Parliament, June 2021,
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2021/694413/IPOL_STU(2021)694413_EN.pdf.
51
Anna Knoll and Jan Schneider, "Border Management in the European Union," Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, February
2020, https://eu.boell.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/HBS-POS%20brochure%20web.pdf.
52
Marta Rodriguez Martinez, "Migrant crisis brewing at Morocco-Spain border," The New Humanitarian,
September 8, 2022,
https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2022/09/08/Migrant-crisis-Morocco-Spain-border.
 migrants have attempted to cross the border fence, resulting in frequent clashes

with Spanish and Moroccan security forces. Spain is also facing challenges

related to migrant arrivals by sea, particularly from North Africa. The country has

seen a significant increase in the number of migrant arrivals by sea in recent

years, with many attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in

small boats. The situation at the border has put pressure on Spain and the

European Union to find a solution to the refugee crisis, including providing more

support to Morocco to help manage migration flows.53 Furthermore, the issue of

migration has become a politically contentious issue in Spain and the wider EU,

with some political parties advocating for stricter border controls and others

calling for more support for migrants and refugees.54

18. Republic of Slovenia

a. Slovenia has limited resources and infrastructure to cope with the large number of

refugees and migrants passing through the country. In 2015, Slovenia had

introduced strict border controls, causing a bottleneck of refugees and migrants on

the Croatian side of its border. Croatia responded by sending its own police to the

border and diverting the flow of migrants towards Hungary. However, tensions

had been growing between Slovenia and Croatia since the Yugoslav Wars of the

1990s, which introduced border disputes and the status of the Croatian minority in

Slovenia.55 The European Union has called for greater cooperation among Croatia

53
Haley Ott, "Fortified Morocco-Spain border fence is under pressure from African migrants," CBS News,
September 16, 2019,
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fortified-morocco-spain-border-fence-is-under-pressure-from-african-migrants/.
54
Ana Carbajosa, "Spain's Migrant Crisis Is a Political Opportunity," Foreign Policy, May 21, 2021,
https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/21/spain-migrant-crisis-ceuta-partido-popular-pp-ayuso-casado-sanchez-madrid-e
lection-populist-right-immigration/.
55
BBC News, "Migrant Crisis: Slovenia and Croatia Border Tensions Rise," October 28, 2015,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34657187.
 and Slovenia to address the refugee crisis, with promised funding to help

countries cope with the influx of refugees and migrants.56

19. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

a. Many of the migrants in northern France attempt to reach the UK by boarding

lorries as they approach ports or the English Channel Tunnel. In 2016, as a

response, the UK started building a wall in Calais, France to prevent migrants

from attempting to stow away on trucks heading to Britain. The wall, which has

been dubbed the “Great Wall of Calais,” will be 4 meters tall and run for 1

kilometer. It will pass within a few hundred meters of the French migrant camp,

which reportedly houses over 10,000 people. The UK government is funding the

wall, but French authorities will decide how the funds are spent. The government

has refused to confirm the cost of the wall, although reports suggest a price tag of

£1.9m. By the end of the year, the wall should be completed.57

56
Körkemeier, Tom. “EU's Juncker summons leaders over Balkan refugee crisis,” Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-eu-meeting/eus-juncker-summons-leaders-over-balkan-refugee-
crisis-idINKCN0SF0QO20151021
57
“Calais migrants: Work begins on UK-funded border wall,” BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37421525.