Transnational Institute, Stop Wapenhandel and Centre Delàs report: “The Business of Building Walls”

“The business of bulding walls” is a sequel to “Building Walls. Fear and securitization in the European Union” published in 2018 by Delàs Centre of Studies for Peace, Transnational Institute (TNI) and Stop Wapenhandel, which first measured and identified the walls that crisscross Europe. This new report analyzes the businesses that have profited from the construction of walls and technologies spread in European borders, built to intercept displaced and migrant people and to stop them migrating into Europe.

The report shows that the flow of money from taxpayers to wall-builders has been highly lucrative and constantly growing in the European Union (EU) and its member States that have promoted the companies that have profited from the walls building. Some of the corporate beneficiaries are also global players, tapping into a global market for border security estimated to be worth approximately €17.5 billion in 2018. The research also highlights the significant role of the arms companies on the decision-making for border security by creating spaces where their economic interests can be defended. The business of building walls is a lucrative and growing business with lethal consequences for those migrating.

Author: Mark Akkerman

You can read and download the executive summary in English, in Spanish and in French, and the complete report in English.

You can read and download the complete report in English here.