Written by: Victoriano Vicente Botella Berenguer  

Supervised by: Belén Padrón Salinas

Edited by: Riccardo Cernigliaro

Abstract

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.