The European Union’s Hard Power in the International Arena: The Case of Migration Policy

Objectives The aim of this article is to demonstrate the European Union’s hard power in its response to international migration. To illustrate the importance of hard power in EU migration policy, an analysis of the set of tools and mechanisms through which the European Union and its member states project their power and exert pressure on other actors in international relations is conducted. Material and methods The research process utilises a case study that examines the military operation EUNAVFOR MED Sophia/Irini, the issue of instrumentalisation of migration in the context of the border crisis between EU Member States and Belarus, and partnerships with third countries, illustrated by the example of the EU’s relations with Tunisia. Results The research hypothesis assumes that while the European Union continues to base its actions on soft and normative instruments, it is increasingly using hard power in its migration policy. Key factors driving the EU to use hard power in migration policy and border protection are the shifting balance of international power and the growing challenges associated with managing migration flows. Conclusions Today, hard power serves not only a deterrent function, related to border control and the use of coercive measures, but is increasingly becoming a tool for legitimizing EU' actions in the international environment. It is therefore an increasingly systemic element of EU migration policy, influencing both the perception of the EU as an actor capable of exerting influence and its ability to shape practices in the area of ​​international migration.