A Southern Mediterranean Migration Model

Abstract

This chapter assesses the southern European migration regimes focusing on the cases of Spain and Italy. Southern Member States have become the gatekeepers of the EU’s external border with the construction of the ‘Schengenland’. Thus, over the last decades, those countries have placed a greater emphasis on border management strategies, through border controls and cooperation with third countries, to address the increasing migratory pressure. In this sense, the migration models of Spain and Italy share some distinct characteristics, which make them unique. Hence, this chapter analyses the main levels of migration management identified in these countries: national actions, through regularisation processes and deportations; strengthening of border controls, in cooperation with Frontex; the development of IT technologies; and bilateral relations with third countries.