The Elusive “Collectivised Refugee Protection”: The Case of the EU-Egypt Migration Cooperation

Abstract

This paper departs from a deductive premise seeking to apply the theory of “collectivised system of refugee responsibility” to the EU-Egypt migration arrangements. In its basic form, the theory proffers the funding and oversight of the wealthy North to assert protection, and integration of refugees in southern countries. At face value, the design and structure of the EU-Egypt migration arrangements appear to reflect this formula: EU funding in return for Egyptian principled accommodation of refugees. A profounder analysis of these deals, nevertheless, discerns the emergence of an alternative linguistic and legal discourse that priorities security and control over the humanitarian cause. Practice, as well, demonstrates that neither the EU is willing to undertake any refugees’ oversight roles, nor Egypt is vying for EU funding. To the contrary, Egypt’s generous funding of EU commercial interests and ruthless crackdown on refugees represent Egypt’s basic offerings to appease the EU and garner its political support.