Linking climate-induced migration and security within the EU: insights from the securitization debate

The debate on climate-induced migration is often considered a way to promote environmental actions, new forms of governance inspired by solidarity and a transformation of security practices. Its securitization, however, remains a problematic development because it occurs within the framework of the securitization of migration. To explore the implications of securitizing climate-induced migration within the EU, this article engages with two theoretical approaches to securitization. It discusses the relationship between the Copenhagen and Paris Schools. The former focuses on speech acts that declare an issue a threat and transform the way of dealing with it; the latter outlines how mundane practices based on surveillance and policing contribute to creating a sense of insecurity and unease. While environmentally and climate-induced migration is mainly securitized through speech acts, the securitization of migration in general seems to follow the more subtle process described by the Paris School. This combination outlines the difficulties of introducing new forms of governance and transforming existing security practices.