Migration from Maghreb: External and Internal Challenges for Europe

The article explores the issue of Maghrebi migration to Europe in the context of potential external and internal challenges it poses to European states and societies. Special attention is given to the 'push' factors that underpin emigration of Maghrebis. The results of research highlight that migration from Maghreb to Europe is persistent. The current military, political and socioeconomic dynamics in the region imply that the Maghrebi migration flow will increase in the future. The article concentrates on reasons for radicalization of some members of Maghrebi immigrant communities in Europe. The findings indicate that Arab or Muslim background of immigrants is not the root cause for radicalization. Despite the fact that some elements of the Islamic doctrine are exploited by Islamist organizations, they mostly resonate with youth of second-generation migrant communities giving them a certain 'frame' and purpose for their protest. The main conclusion is that the most serious threat to the European security comes not from the large-scale influx of migrants, which will be continue, but marginalization of big parts of migrant communities, most and foremost born and raised in Europe, as they are the ones that tend to get radicalized in the first place.