Fortification of Borders as a Response to Migration Crises: the Case of the European Union

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine and evaluate the measures taken by the member states of the European Union towards migration crises. It has been proved that the mass influx of foreigners is treated as a threat to their borders, territories, and populations. It has been demonstrated that contemporary international relations are characterized by a return to the classical understanding of borders, their functions, and, consequently, security – conceived primarily as the protection of state territories and citizens. Combating irregular migration is framed as a matter of national interest, and reaffirmation of each state’s sovereign right to control migration flows. For the purpose of this study, a model of border fortification has been developed, comprised of three key elements: the first is the physical construction or reinforcement of border barriers; the second involves the EU’s legislative activity; and the third refers to the mechanism of remote border control – essentially, the externalization of borders into the territories of third countries. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the inquiry, the analysis draws on methods characteristic of the social sciences, with particular emphasis on those applied in political science, public policy and administration, international relations, and legal studies.