ILLEGAL MIGRATION, REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION: SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE READMISSION AGREEMENT

Abstract

Illegal migration in Republic of Macedonia but also in Europe has been present since
ever as an issue that is subject to regulation in national legislations but also at European
level. Still, the issue gains great attention especially with the European migrant crisis from
2015/2016 which stroke the European Union, but also had repercussions upon the states along
the Balkan route. Starting from that, the subject of this research paper will tackle Readmission agreements which the EU concludes with third countries that serve as a tool for return of
irregular migrants in third countries of origin or transit countries. Concretely, the research will
be directed to Readmission agreement between the EU and Republic of Macedonia, where it
will be examined if and to what extent the agreement is being implemented by the Republic of
Macedonia, both in relation to own country nationals and third country nationals. After having
determined the status of its implementation and possible shortcomings, certain suggestions
and hypothesis will be given concerning its implementation