ICTs and the European Union's Evolving Border Surveillance Architecture: A Critical Assessment

Abstract

Since the 1990s, ICT initiatives have been an increasingly central feature of the European Union’s border security policy. One set of initiatives has sought to fortify the EU’s external perimeter while another set creates new frontiers beyond this geopolitical boundary. Recently, the European Commission signaled its renewed commitment to this two-pronged approach with the release of its Border Package. This paper makes two arguments. First, this two-pronged approach has done little to deter identified border threats and the implementation of the Border Package would not rectify this situation. Second, the approach has contributed to a border management regime that is having an increasingly divergent impact on the mobility and life chances of different groups and populations. It is argued that the EU’s recent proposals would intensify this effect if implemented.