The importance of civil-military cooperation in crisis management. The EU’s mechanism of civil-military cooperation and the case study of Greece, during the migration crisis in 2014-2016.

Abstract

This paper examines the crisis management mechanisms and civil-military cooperation within the European Union (EU). It explores and analyzes the Integrated Border Management (IBM) policy of the EU and the role of FRONTEX, a key actor, in addressing migration as a security threat. It discusses the EU's strategies for Comprehensive Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and Civil-Military Coordination (CMCO). It examines how these processes tackle complex security challenges despite institutional difficulties and coordination obstacles. The paper addresses the EU’s response to the rise in migration flows, highlighting the challenges posed. It assesses the response of Greece - an EU member state - to the 2014–2016 migration crisis, focusing on the role of the Hellenic Armed Forces and the challenges of coordinating with European agencies. The study calls for better-funded and more coordinated migration management strategies. It reviews the lessons learned from the migration crisis, proposing reforms to improve EU decision-making and enhance civil-military cooperation. It underscores the need for systemic reforms in crisis management, focusing on strengthened cooperation, governance, and the creation of response mechanisms for future crises.