The Problem of Regulation and Control of Immigration in the European Union

Abstract

After World War Two, Western Europe states started to receive migrants to fill labour shortages. With the end of the Cold War, the flow of immigrants to Europe accelerated, and the issue of immigration became one of the most important topics on the European Union’s agenda by the 2000s. In this context, this study seeks to answer whether European states have lost their immigration control. By focusing on the developments since 1945, this study particularly aims to clarify the internal and external reasons that adversely affect the capacity of European states to control immigration. The immigration policies of the European Union (EU) are also discussed in this context. This study employed the qualitative research methodology. In the study, besides the official documents prepared by the EU, newspaper and Internet news, academic books and articles were used. The study’s findings demonstrate that although European states have not completely lost their control over immigration, their current immigration policies are insufficient to stop the flow of immigration to Europe.