European ‘Securitization’ Policies and the Southern ‘Fortress-Europe’

• Published in: Contested Mediterranean Spaces p. 35
• Main Author: MINAS SAMATAS
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Berghahn Books 15.06.2011
• Edition: NED - New edition, 1
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Citizenship; Civics; Civil liberties; Civil rights; Computer engineering; Computer science; Computer software; Criminal law; Criminal offenses; Engineering; European Union; Federal criminal offenses; Fortresses; Government; Government agencies; Human geography; Human migration; Human rights; Illegal immigration; Immigration; Information storage and retrieval systems; Intelligence services; International governmental organizations; International political organizations; Jurisprudence; Law; Legal rights; Military bases; Military engineering; Military facilities; Military infrastructure; Natural law; Natural rights; Philosophy of law; Political organizations; Political science; Social sciences; Software applications; Surveillance; Terrorism
• ISBN: 9780857451323; 0857451324

This chapter presents a socio-political assessment of the ‘securitization’ policies of the European Union (EU) and their impact on immigration, human rights and civil liberties in the EU and especially in Southern Europe. We focus upon the post-9/11 EU security agenda and the reinforcement of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in building a ‘fortress-Europe.’ Documented evidence is provided, especially from Southern Europe (Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal). ‘Securitization’ logic and practice are examined in relation to social issues like immigration and anti-globalization protests, which are perceived as security threats. The decentralization of ‘fortress-Europe’ in non-EU Mediterranean states is also