Integrarea diferențiată în politica europeană de migrație: oportunități și limite pentru Republica Moldova și Turcia în contextul Noului Pact privind Migrația și Azilul [Articol]

Abstract

The article analyses how differentiated integration in European migration policy shapes the European Union’s cooperation with the Republic of Moldova and Turkey in the context of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. Theoretically, it draws on the literature on differentiated integra tion in sensitive areas and on the externalisation of migration control to explain why and how the EU resorts to asymmetric partnerships with third countries. Methodologically, the research is based on qualitative content analysis of the Pact’s normative framework, key documents and policy reports, complemented by a comparative examination of two case studies: the Republic of Moldova – an “exemplary pupil” of the Eastern Neighbourhood – and Turkey, a “frozen” candidate state but strategic partner. The findings highlight opportunities for both states: appro ximation to the EU acquis, access to financial and operational instruments, capacity-building and an enhanced geopolitical profile. At the same time, the analysis reveals costs and risks: being “locked” into the role of buffer states, the straining of human rights standards, mutual depen dence and the instrumentalisation of migration in political bargaining. The study concludes that differentiated integration can contribute to European security only if it is accompanied by robust frameworks for normative compliance, transparency and democratic monitoring of cooperation with third countries.