Policy-Making in Migration (Part I): the Role of Different Actors

Chapter Summary

This chapter provides an analysis of the day-to-day institutional practice in the area of migration and draws upon elements of "political sociology". It provides a comprehensive examination of the impact of the position of the various actors with respect to policy-making in migration. The chapter examines the role of the Council, which one could say for several decades, and to a certain extent still remains, the predominant actor. It highlights the role of the various sub-actors that are involved in policy-making within the Council itself. The chapter sketches an overview of the Commission's position within the framework of policy-making in migration. It also examines briefly the roles of the European Parliament and the Court of Justice. Notwithstanding its limited institutional role, the European Parliament has been rather active with regard to the movement of persons and migration related issues.

Keywords: European Court of Justice; European Parliament; migration; policy-making; political sociology