EU Readmission Agreements as Tools for Fighting Irregular Migration: An Appraisal Twenty Years on from the Tampere European Council

Abstract

The EU has concluded so far seventeen readmission agreements with third countries with the aim of combating irregular immigration into its territories, as part of the strategic guidelines of the EU Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. Since the first EURA concluded with Hong Kong, some developments in the drafting of these agreements have occurred, and in particular a greater attention for respect of readmitted persons’ rights can be identified. These agreements seem to be working quite well and their objective to regulate irregular immigration, according to statistics, is being met. However, the most relevant third States in terms of origin of immigrants are still not bound by any EURA and human rights issues – notably related to the respect of the principle of non-refoulement – are likely to arise.