Transgovernmentalism in multilayered migration governance

Starting from the observation that states have so far resisted attempts to emulate “top-down” formal multilateralism in the area of migration, and taking into account the limits of unilateral action, this project explores the role of relatively new patterns of cooperation in horizontal transgovernmental networks linking destination, sending and transit countries of migration. Focusing on cases taken from EU external relations, this study investigates what advantages such relatively informal, dialogue-based transgovernmental platforms have over intergovernmental negotiations, and how they intersect with more formal, legalised settings and in particular relevant trade agreements. In particular, we will ask to what extent this informal inter-administrative level of cooperation provides an alternative to formal treaty-making or whether it complements formal agreements, i.e. by mobilising consensus and sustaining implementation. A second axis of analysis is the question whether and under what conditions transgovernmental networks such as bilateral Mobility Partnerships or plurilateral ones such as the Regional Consultation Processes with African countries strike a balance between the priorities of the different groups of countries and the administrative sections participating, thus promoting a more comprehensive approach to migration Conceptually, this project draws on earlier research on external governance and transgovernmental network governance in particular. It links up with the legal approach based on the notion of global administrative law examined in project 4.2.1.