Europe and Undocumented Migrants: Fear of the “Other” as a Factor for Integration

Having presented the role of fear in building the political community from a modern political theory perspective, the article highlights the role of fear of the Other in the history of European integration. The study draws attention to the more consensual nature of the fight against illegal migration compared to other issues such as terrorism and transnational organized crime. Thus, it underlines how undocumented migration has become a core issue in the context of the implementation of Europe’s Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. Furthermore, exploring Carl Schmitt’s “Friend-Enemy” distinction, the author suggests that the action towards illegal migration is not only an aspect of the European immigration and asylum policy but could also be seen as part of a broader and common European political discourse on insecurities that contributes to the strengthening of the European community.