Challenges to the effectiveness and legitimacy of the tripartite working agreement of EMSA, EFCA, and Frontex as a security network: An analysis of challenges to coast guard functions on the European Union level

This paper examines an analysis of challenges regarding effectiveness and legitimacy to the security network that the tripartite working arrangement (TWA) constitutes with EMSA, EFCA and Frontex on the European cooperation on Coast Guard Functions (CGFs). The study utilizes the theoretical frameworks of Provan and Milward (2001) for effectiveness indicators and Den Boer et al. (2008) for legitimacy indicators combined with interviews of actors in the security network. The findings address challenges to the effectiveness of the network such as service duplication, coordination complexity, and resource limitations. The creation of the TWA contributes to improved cooperation and coordination on CGFs, reducing operational costs, bureaucratic red tape, integrating services, managing multiple relationships, and enhancing overall effectiveness. The creation of a network administrative organization (NAO) such as the Steering Committee allow for efficient resource allocation, and interagency...Show moreThis paper examines an analysis of challenges regarding effectiveness and legitimacy to the security network that the tripartite working arrangement (TWA) constitutes with EMSA, EFCA and Frontex on the European cooperation on Coast Guard Functions (CGFs). The study utilizes the theoretical frameworks of Provan and Milward (2001) for effectiveness indicators and Den Boer et al. (2008) for legitimacy indicators combined with interviews of actors in the security network. The findings address challenges to the effectiveness of the network such as service duplication, coordination complexity, and resource limitations. The creation of the TWA contributes to improved cooperation and coordination on CGFs, reducing operational costs, bureaucratic red tape, integrating services, managing multiple relationships, and enhancing overall effectiveness. The creation of a network administrative organization (NAO) such as the Steering Committee allow for efficient resource allocation, and interagency organization and cooperation. Regarding legitimacy, challenges arise in the indicator of democratic legitimacy due to the supranational power of Frontex, which was not elected by individual member state parliaments. However, proposed amendments and audit measures address this concern, contributing to democratic legitimacy. Legal legitimacy is ensured through binding legal instruments and adherence to established legal frameworks. Moreover, procedural legitimacy is maintained through controllable mandates, operating within established oversight mechanisms. Although, the TWA adheres to the latter two, the challenge to social legitimacy rises from the lack of transparency in operational output and errors in conduct, leading to public scrutiny. However, efforts are being made to address this social legitimacy challenge through regular reporting, independent monitoring bodies, an Ombudsman, and engagement with civil society and national authorities. To conclude, the security network, the TWA, offers an effective and increasingly legitimate answer to addressing wicked problems in European maritime security and safety. The network provides a viable solution to the complexity and multiplicity of maritime threats in the EU. This analysis contributes to a better understanding of challenges to the functioning of the network and is crucial for addressing existing and emerging threats in the European maritime context.Show less

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Challenges to the effectiveness and legitimacy of the tripartite working agreement of EMSA, EFCA, and Frontex as a security network: An analysis of challenges to coast guard functions on the European Union level