Art, agency, and access: refugee experiences and resistance in the context of EU’s migration management

Abstract This Field Reflection is based on the introductory speech (lectio praecursoria) I delivered at the public examination of my doctoral thesis on 10 January 2025 at the University of Helsinki. The thesis explored the interplay between EU migration management measures and the lived experiences of refugees, focusing on the Greek island of Lesvos as a critical site of bordering and refugee resistance. Drawing on three case studies conducted between 2021 and 2023, the research examined how physical, legal, and social borders shape refugee access to EU territory, protection, and integration in Europe. Through interviews with representatives of two civil society organizations in Lesvos, refugee-produced artwork and social media content, the study also highlighted the political agency of refugees as they navigated and resisted restrictive measures. Refugee-created visual artifacts, such as paintings and photographs, serve as powerful tools for self-expression and advocacy, challenging dominant narratives of victimhood, invasion, and threat. The findings underscore the need to reimagine migration governance, centering refugee voices and prioritizing protection over deterrence. This Reflection contributes to broader discussions on refugee rights, border politics, and the human dimensions of migration management.