A Commission impact assessment argues that expanding the Schengen Area to include the Western Balkans would reduce irregular migration into the EU. The assessment notes that irregular crossings are highest at the external borders of non-Schengen states in the region. It concludes that once those states join Schengen, their borders will be managed to Schengen standards, which will reduce the number of irregular crossings into EU territory.
Which of the following is an assumption on which this argument depends?
Choisis ta réponse
Explication
Negation test applied: if irregular migrants cross through Western Balkan borders for reasons unrelated to border-management standards — for example, because geographic routes through that region are the shortest or because smuggling networks are entrenched regardless of border-management quality — then upgrading those borders to Schengen standards would not necessarily reduce crossings. The argument assumes the high crossing rate is caused by the sub-Schengen management quality, not by other structural factors. Choice B about commitment is a political precondition, not a logical assumption of the impact argument. Choice C about budgetary resources is a practical concern outside the logical structure. Choice D about origin countries is irrelevant to whether Schengen standards reduce crossings. Choice E about the Schengen Information System describes a benefit but is not the logical bridge the argument requires.
