Vernacular Border Security: Citizens' Narratives of Europe's 'Migration Crisis'

still afraid of losing control over national and EU borders. The dominant governmental response to the 2015 migration crisis has been to increase border security measures, but EU citizens are still fearful of losing control over national and EU borders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Since the peak of Europe's so-called 2015 migration crisis, the dominant governmental response has been to turn to deterrent border security across the Mediterranean and construct border walls throughout the EU. During the same timeframe, EU citizens are widely represented by politicians, by media sources, and by opinion polls as fearing a loss of control over national and EU borders. Despite the intensification of EU border security with visibly violent effects, EU citizens are still experiencing high levels of migration and illegal border crossings. This has led to increased tensions between member states and has raised questions about the effectiveness of the EU's border control policies.

Additionally, there are concerns about the human rights of migrants and refugees who are being subjected to harsh conditions and treatment at the borders. The EU has faced criticism for its approach to border security, with some arguing that it is ineffective and inhumane and that it fails to address the root causes of migration. Others argue that the EU needs to do more to support its member states in managing migration and to address the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to migration.

In response to these challenges, the EU has taken several steps to improve border security. These include increasing the number of border guards and police officers, improving surveillance technology, and implementing stricter immigration policies. The EU has also launched initiatives to promote legal migration and to support refugees and migrants in their journey to Europe.

However, there are still significant challenges to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of cooperation between member states on border security. Different member states have different immigration policies and practices, which can create confusion and delays at the borders. Additionally, there are concerns about the effectiveness of the EU's asylum system, which has been overwhelmed by the number of asylum applications.

Another challenge is the growing number of migrants and refugees who are risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Many of these migrants and refugees are fleeing conflict, poverty, and human rights abuses in their home countries. The EU has responded to this by launching rescue operations in the Mediterranean and by providing support to countries in the region to address the root causes of migration.

In conclusion, the EU's response to the 2015 migration crisis has been a complex and multifaceted effort to address the challenges of border security and migration. While the EU has made progress in improving border security, there are still significant challenges to be addressed, including the need for greater cooperation between member states, the effectiveness of the EU's asylum system, and the growing number of migrants and refugees who are risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The EU must continue to work to address these challenges in order to protect the rights and safety of migrants and refugees and to promote a more secure and prosperous Europe.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198882695