The cooperation between the EU and its Southern Neighbours in the field of law enforcement has intensified over the last years. Yet, it continues to be hampered by many obstacles. With a few exceptions, the EU seems to be on the demanding side, proposing frameworks of cooperation that often fail triggering the interest of its SN partners.

The latter are often reluctant to engage in a cooperation that is seen as very demanding (e.g., compliance with EU regulations on data protection), non-reciprocal or not very operational, and with the EU lacking the competence to be considered as the main interlocutor. Southern Neighbourhood countries may be tempted to prioritise their cooperation with member states and pursue cooperation in these areas as part of their broader and transactional bilateral relationships with member states.

These dynamics apply, to different extents, to the cooperation on readmission (of irregular migrants residing in EU member states), on counter terrorism and on police cooperation in general (cooperation with Europol).

The Joint Study Group could therefore focus on:

• General considerations on the shortcomings of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the field of law enforcement, including issues mentioned above (technical requirements, issue of competences, EU vs. member states frameworks…)
• A specific chapter on readmission agreements
• A specific chapter on counter terrorism
• A specific chapter on cooperation with Europol
• Policy recommendations on how to improve Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the field of law enforcement (including possible analysis of how CSDP missions could be used as an alternative instrument to promote operational cooperation).

The EuroMeSCo Joint Study Groups 2022 will be made up of four Authors, including a Coordinator, who will jointly produce a Policy Study over a period of 6-7 months. Interested researchers may apply as Author or as Author and Coordinator to each Joint Study Group. In both cases, they will have to complete the online form and submit their application by 18 May (included).

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