Migration, development and EU free trade deals: the paradox of Economic Partnership Agreements as a push factor for migration

Abstract

The article problematizes the EU's approach to trade, development and migration (TD&M) in the context of Africa–EU relations and the push for free trade deals under Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). According to EU policymakers there is harmony between trade policies, development goals and migration objectives. EU officials state that EPAs are a development friendly tool for job creation in Africa, and this in turn will address the "root causes of irregular migration" between the continents. There is a significant cause for concern, however, relating to the negative consequences of EPAs for jobs in the continent, particularly in labour intensive import-competing agricultural sectors. Free trade deals may therefore stimulate migration from Africa to Europe. This apparent paradox is underscored by recent fieldwork conducted in Ghana's poultry sector which highlights business stakeholders' deep concerns about EPAs stoking unemployment and migration.