Kosmo-polis EU

The Schengen acquis establishes a legal condition between EU member states and citizens that transcends the cosmopolitan visitor right in the understanding of Immanuel Kant. At the same time, territorial and social borders are more restrictive towards non-EU citizens. The author demonstrates this discrepancy in this study Following the presentation of theoretical foundations in cosmopolitan theory, she points out cosmopolitan commitments in European Union law. Considering these commitments, she analyzes both the applicable legal acquis and the discourses towards legislation for a common border and asylum policy. Subsequently, she highlights the practice of border control at the example of the European agency Frontex. The research results on law, discourse and practice assemble practical cosmopolitan deficits and reveal institution-specific priorities and preferences of actors involved in the policy process towards a European border and asylum law.