A Critical Analysis of a Top-Down Approach to EU Border Policies and Implications of Increased Securitization on Refugee Experiences

In this thesis, I explore how policies and operations carried out by the EU or other supranational entities such as Frontex contribute to the securitization of EU borders and, in turn, a vicious cycle of the humanitarian-security nexus. I aim to answer why migration policies in the EU until this point have been insufficient to address the needs of the migrant population as well as member states themselves. Even though there has been extensive research into specific migration policies and their impacts, this thesis provides an overview that spans around two decades in order to illustrate the progression of securitization over time. In addition, it includes a bottom-up approach by prioritizing individual migrant experiences who are greatly impacted by current migration policy. In order to achieve this, I analyze policies dating back to the early 2000s up to current day to point out increasing securitization and externalization of EU borders. In addition, I conduct an extensive literature review and utilize resources with first-hand accounts from migrants. My research sheds light on the inefficiencies and realities under the current system. In view of the findings of my research, I urge EU leaders to change their policies towards migrants and devote more resources to caring for their well-being in what I argue would be a win-win decision for EU citizens as well as migrants.