Michele Gigli

Michele Gigli is a Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Law at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, where he is part of the 2020 cohort. Supervised by Professor Deirdre Curtin with external co-supervision from Lilian Tsourdi, his work examines the intersection of EU budgetary processes, border management, and accountability mechanisms within European governance structures.

His research interests center on Accountability of European governance, Financial regulation and governance, and Migration and border management, with specific focus on Frontex operations, EUROSUR funding mechanisms, and the externalization of migration control. Gigli's work critically analyzes how financial accountability instruments function within EU border management frameworks, exploring the tension between operational effectiveness and democratic oversight.

Gigli's publication record since 2019 reveals a consistent research trajectory examining EU border management through financial accountability lenses. His articles demonstrate expertise in EU agency oversight (particularly Frontex), budgetary discharge procedures, and the implementation challenges of external border management policies. The work shows increasing sophistication in connecting financial governance mechanisms with broader questions of political accountability in EU external action.

Gigli actively contributes to the EUI's academic community as part of Professor Curtin's research group, collaborating with other doctoral researchers working on related aspects of EU governance and accountability. His research sits at the intersection of EU law, public administration, and migration studies, offering critical perspectives on the financial dimensions of EU border management.