Securitization in the context of the EU's use of health data during theCovid-19 pandemic in2020: A comparative case study of securitization implementation in the context of the EU's us of personal health data

Abstract

This thesis research comes from combining a theoretical problem with an empirical problem. The theoretical problem of this thesis roots from scholars of securitization theory debating the context in which securitization can occur. The original founders of the theory, Copenhagen School, understood securitization can occur in a nation-state environment. This statement was a departure point for the scholars to argue that securitization can and is carried out by international organizations in the role of securitization actors. This brings out the empirical problem of this thesis, which puts the European Union in the role of the securitization actor in the current Covid-19 pandemic. This puts the Member States in the role of the securitization audience. The measure suggested by the European Union for the Member States is processing personal health data to curb the spread of the virus. Furthermore, this thesis aims to look at the securitization implications of the interactions of States and IOs regarding health data. The research question of this thesis is: To what extent is securitization theory applicable in case of the EU’s framing of use of personal health data to curb the spread of Covid-19?” This thesis carries out a comparative case study and frame analysis of the relevant documents published by the European Union and chosen Member States. These states are Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg. Frame analysis of this thesis investigated the role of the European Union as a securitization actor and the role of the Member States as an audience. This frame analysis showcased that the European Union frames Covid-19 as a threat due to its challenges to functioning society. The argument is that a health crisis ultimately leads to unemployment, economic losses, discrimination, disinformation etc. Therefore, the European Union as a securitization actor strives for more coherent and unified responses. The aim is for the States to follow the GDPR when processing subject’s health data and that the States ensure maximum level of safety alongside with following the fundamental human rights. However, within the responses of the States there can be seen levels of fragmentation. This means that although the States all comply to following GDPR when processing subject’s data in a state of crisis, all of them do so accordingly to their own judgement. Different states define health data differently, assign the role of data processor to a different entity, and assigns different responsibilities to different stakeholders, such as the state or the employers. This fragmentation comes from not specific definitions by the European Union. These lacking definitions are found within health data, emergency, and data collector/ data processor. This is because of the character of GDPR as a Regulation, which aims to appeal to each State, as all States must comply to it. Furthermore, GDPR has been created and implemented before the pandemic. This interpretation leads to the States having certain amounts of power, as they can adjust the rules set out from the European Union to their specific conditions. Therefore, the Member States act as an empowering audience, with the power to adjust the measures to their national judgements and they get to influence the decisions made by the European Union. The answer to the research question is that securitization is largely possible in the context of the EU, however it leads to different reactions within the Member States. There is considered fragmentation found within how the States approach the processing of personal health data as a securitization response. The EU as a securitization actor owns certain amounts of power and authority and influences behaviors of the Member States. The Member States also influence the way that the EU produces guidelines in the state of emergency.

A master thesis from Aalborg University

Securitization in the context of the EU's use of health data during theCovid-19 pandemic in2020: A comparative case study of securitization implementation in the context of the EU's us of personal health data