This paper examines the European Union’s (EU) gradual development of external border management, focussing on the militarisation and externalisation of migration control. Through an analysis of the role of Frontex and the increasing integration of military technology, it argues that the EU has shifted from cooperative regulation to a security-centric paradigm, frequently at the expense of human rights. Key findings show how migration is increasingly being presented as a security threat, impacting EU partnerships with non-EU countries and transforming the Mediterranean into a militarised zone. The paper advocates for rethinking the EU border strategy to balance security goals with humanitarian responsibilities, arguing that the future of European border management must prioritise human dignity alongside effective security measures.

The European Union's Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, envisioned the creation of a Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC) intended to reach full operability by 2025. Despite its innovative capacity, this project is not the first attempt made by the European Union to develop a common rapid response force. Comparing the RDC initiative to the Battlegroups’ almost twenty-year experience, this article examines the obstacles that prevented the deployment of Battlegroups and explores what similar and new hurdles the RDC will have to overcome to enable Member States to react collectively to future security challenges. It finds that only by building upon lessons learned from the past could the EU Member States establish an effective operational tool to engage rapidly in autonomous military operations.