Ústav mezinárodních vztahů

In the more recent interview Benjamin Tallis discusses the inadequacy of the EU’s response to the migration crisis and what more it should do to address it in the short, medium and long term. Tallis outlines possible options such as offshoring migration control facilities, an enhanced search and rescuer capacity in addition to bolstering border protection. He also discussed the need for the EU to address its internal shortcomings, particularly for Schengen states to more equitably share the burdens as well as the benefits of being part of the Schengen zone. Tallis also emphasised the need for the EU to increase the supply of regular routes in to the EU for migrants, while working in the longer term to reduce the demand for forced mobility stemming from crises and lack of opportunity in origin countries.

• Watch the interview

During his first interview with host Vaclav Cernohorsky Tallis emphasised that the causes as well as the symptoms of this crisis need to be addressed and that migration is a political issue rather than a matter of technical or operational border security. He claimed that the growing scale of the humanitarian crisis and widespread international outcry over it have prompted the EU to find the political will to deal with this issue. Tallis noted that the primary drivers of irregular migration in the region are the need to escape catastrophic situations – such as the Syrian civil war – and the desire to live a normal or better life, which seems unattainable in many migrants’ home countries. Tallis pointed out that the collapse of the Libyan state has exacerbated the issue as it has made it easier for people smugglers to operate and increased the incentives for Libyans to become involved. Tallis also argued that the EU needs to review its border and migration policy – internally and externally – and it should consider the benefits that migrants can bring.

• Watch the CT24’s ‘Horizont’ programme here (22 April 2015)

About Benjamin Tallis: Benjamin Tallis is researcher and co-ordinator of the Centre for European Security of the IIR Prague. Among his areas of interest are for example European Security or Borders and the Politics of Bordering.