Comparing Preferences on the EU-Turkey Migration Deal between Germany and Hungary

Abstract

The thesis at hand elaborates the research question Which factors explain the variation in responses of member states regarding the EU-Turkey deal?. The hypotheses are set up according to theories covering preferences on a Turkish EU accession, realism and the national identity approach. After reviewing existing approaches, the hypotheses include new factors which were not covered in previous research. These factors include preferences on a Turkish EU membership, a Europe wide increase of terror threats, the degree of engagement in the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, the implementation of jus sanguinis and the Christian/Catholic cultural heritage of a country. This analysis is preceded by an elaboration of the legal nature of the EU-Turkey deal. Several articles covering this issue prior and after the judgement of the European Court of Justice are considered to expand their argumentation and develop a new interpretation which covers all aspects and an own assessment.