Description
This article explores the relation between EU and Irish migration policies through a postcolonial lens, highlighting Ireland’s unique position within Western Europe. Unlike most Western European states, Ireland has no history as a colonial power, and therefore most non-EU migrants arriving in the country are not from former colonies. This study examines how Ireland, balancing its opt-in flexibility in EU migration measures and its Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK, navigates EU migration strategies. The CTA has shaped Ireland’s border policies, leading to its decision not to join the Schengen Area and adding complexity to its alignment with EU regulations. Through document analysis and interviews with policymakers and civil society organizations (CSOs), this article analyzes how Ireland selectively adopts EU directives, recently choosing to opt into the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, while previously abstaining from other measures. Ireland’s legislative approach underscores the nuanced impact of historical and geopolitical factors on migration governance. By positioning Ireland as a case study, this article offers insights into how colonial legacies and unique regional arrangements shape policy responses, challenging assumptions of uniformity within EU migration governance.
