Changes in Malta's migration and asylum policies after EU membership

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the main challenges and accomplishments of Malta since it joined the EU in 2004 in migration and asylum related issues. Initially, it discusses demographic changes and the Maltese sentiment vis-à-vis refugees and labor migrants, throughout the evolution of irregular migration flows and EU mobility patterns. Chronologically, it analyzes the main legal and policy achievements on the road to the accession negotiation process and beyond. Key developments in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice that EU membership brought about, and the ‘solidarity and responsibility sharing’ issue are presented from the Maltese perspective. The successful bidding to host the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), and the Valletta Summit remain two of the most important Maltese milestones of the analyzed period.