Alternative mechanisms to ensure equitable burden-sharing of refugees in the EU

Abstract

This thesis studied how burden-sharing should be addressed in the EU post 2015. The study was conducted by using a qualitative content analysis method. This method built on the existing theory of international burden-sharing methods and was supported by two sub-questions: why should the issue be addressed and what are the prerequisites for a functioning system. The study of these sub-questions was data-driven and the results generated four main categories for each sub-question. The data chosen for this study consisted of peer-reviewed academic articles published in 2015 or later.

The results of the content analysis showed that hard mechanisms are strongly advocated. There was significant support for one-dimensional redistributive quotas as well as multi-dimensional market-based mechanisms. The results of the content analysis follow the theory of international burden-sharing. Hence the theory seems to cover all possible alternatives. It can also be concluded that the EU’s actions have been moving towards academically supported, multi-dimensional mechanisms. On the other hand, the current negotiation stalemate seems to be shifting the EU’s perspective towards one-dimensional mechanisms. The results of this thesis offer a holistic overview of the topic and different mechanisms proposed by academic literature. They can be used to assess which mechanisms should be further investigated or tested in practice.