Abstract for: Analyzing the effectiveness of EU Investments in “Managing External Borders”: conceptualization of a qualitative model.-

This study so far originates from the outcome of a preliminary study to a Cost-Benefits Analysis inside the PERSEUS project (supported by the Seventh Framework Programme for Community R&D, Security Research Theme). This introductory analysis is the starting point for the design of a tool for the Cost-Benefits analysis of European Union MEB (Management of External Borders) related projects. It proposes, by using a Systems Thinking approach, an understanding of the systemic behavior of the relations between the players involved in the European borders management. The model is constrained to those challenges arising at sea with focus on the Mediterranean domain. The increasing investments envisioned for the period 2014-2020, if compared to the previous period, witness the strengthening of external border policies. This paper addressed some of the counter intuitive behaviors and weaknesses inherent to such an investments policies and practical implementation. Demonstrating the value of the EU investments along with its side effects or weaknesses can play a crucial role in the future resolutions of the European institutions. Showing some unintended systemic behaviors inside the EU action on borders management could have implications for the future of EU policy-making and lead to proposals to amend policy regulations.