Cover in various shades of blue of FRA's position paper on countering instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees and respecting fundamental right
23
Juli
2025

Countering the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees and respecting fundamental rights

This position paper examines how the EU can counter the instrumentalisation of migrants while also upholding fundamental rights. Instrumentalisation refers to countries outside the EU using migration to exert political pressure. This position paper defines the phenomenon, provides examples, and outlines legal obligations under EU law. It provides legal analysis and warns that some responses risk undermining fundamental rights at the EU’s external borders, including the right to asylum. To counter instrumentalisation and uphold fundamental rights, the position paper proposes practical measures for Member States to take, such as sanctions, border controls, and cooperation with private operators.

About this publication

© European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 2025

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Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2025

Recommended citation: FRA (2025), Countering the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees and respecting fundamental rights, FRA Position Paper, Vienna.

HTML

  • TK-01-25-022-EN-Q
  • ISBN: 978-92-9489-661-2
  • DOI: 10.2811/9667123

PDF

  • TK-01-25-022-EN-N
  • ISBN:978-92-9489-662-9
  • DOI: 10.2811/6262541

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