From the “Migrant Crisis” of 2015 to European “Smart” Borders. The “Agencification” of Migration Governance in Greece

The 2015 “migrant crisis” marked a turning point for the EU's external borders, highlighting weaknesses in managing irregular migration. Greece, at the heart of the “crisis,” became a testing ground for new governance models. This article explores the evolving migration control framework, focusing on institutions like the European Migrant Smuggling Center (EMSC) and the expanded roles of EUROPOL and FRONTEX. Based on semi-structured interviews between 2022 and 2023 with key actors, including the Hellenic Police, Coast Guard, and EU agencies (FRONTEX, EUROPOL and FRA) we analyze the normalization of “containment” policies aimed at reducing migration flows, culminating in the 2024 New Pact on Migration and Asylum. These policies reflect a shift toward “smart” border management, marked by the “externalization” of control and a redefinition of political sovereignty. Findings reveal the enduring impact of the “crisis” on Greece’s role in EU migration governance and the broader implications for European border policy.