The topic of the conference, discussed with experts in international and European migration and human rights law, concerns hybrid threats and the instrumentalization of migrants as one of the most pressing and problematic challenges that States are facing in the EU. Instrumentalization refers to a series of controversial practices implemented by some States with the aim to destabilize others. Migrants are used as unconventional “weapons” to attack and undermine the security and public order of a given State. From a legal point of view, it is still unclear how to precisely frame and evaluate such phenomena. The conference, therefore, was structured in two parts, so as to discuss the issue from the perspectives of international and EU law. The speakers examined instrumentalization practices in the light of the new legislation that has been adopted both domestically and at EU level, as well as from a judicial point of view, by discussing the cases that are pending before the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice.
Fr. 21 Nov. 2025
Migrants as a Sword or as a Shield? Instrumentalization of migration and hybrid threats through the prism of international and EU law
Conference organised by Francesco Luigi Gatta and Aleksandra Ancite-Jepifánova
Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate, Palermo
Among the various cases, the conference, in particular, examined the tense situation on the border between Belarus and several EU member States, in order to analyse how international and European law can respond to the exploitation of migrants while simultaneously ensuring the protection of human rights.
The conference showed the high topicality of the issue, which is very much problematic and a burning issue in the current political and legal debate in Europe and beyond. As the situation is still evolving, it is recommended to follow up on the fruitful discussions of the conference. The outcomes of the pending cases before international courts, in particular, will deserve attention and will represent significant food for thought and further discussion.
Participants at this event included researchers, professors, students and PhD candidates who joined the conference both in presence in Palermo and remotely.
