ETD

• autonomy
• border externalisation,
• border technologies,
• de-risking,
• Frontex,
• migration cooperation,

European border governance in the Mediterranean depends on information systems, biometric technologies, contractor-operated surveillance and cooperation with neighbouring states. This dissertation examines whether European efforts to strengthen control over mobility create new dependencies on technology providers with advanced expertise and on partner states. In this context, the question is, does the distribution of functions among different actors make the exercise of border power more difficult to oversee, failures more difficult to correct, and decisions or actions more difficult to challenge?

The dissertation adapts de-risking from the European economic security policy to provide a framework in the study of the governance of the Mediterranean border with a view to examining how authorities seek to act before anticipated risks materialise, protect essential capabilities and limit reliance on actors that they cannot fully control. This does not imply that the movement of people and the flows of capital or goods are equivalent. But in this way we can see whether the logic behind de-risking shapes the European border policy. The dissertation approaches autonomy by addressing questions relating to different forms of control.

The study examines how expertise, control over information and day-to-day responsibilities are divided among European public authorities, private technology and service providers, and partner states. Also, it considers whether reliance on a provider or partner can be ended or replaced without unacceptable disruption or cost. Then it follows maritime surveillance information from aircraft operated by contractors through Frontex and EUROSUR to action by third-country authorities, and asks how far EU law continues to govern the contributions of the actors involved across the waterline. Finally, it explores whether the available rules on jurisdiction, non-contractual liability, evidence and effective judicial protection can make these separate contributions legally answerable.