Nothing in the European Union today resembles the celebratory mood of last spring when the new Migration and Asylum Pact was announced.
The initial doubts about whether the much-touted solidarity promised by the European Commission would be enough to solve such a significant issue like migration were soon followed by the realisation that, in essence, each member state is fending for itself.
Germany’s decision to temporarily reinstate border controls, despite opposition from its neighbours, highlighted that the longstanding deadlocks within the EU remain unresolved.
No one is claiming that there are easy solutions.
Europe’s geographical proximity to Asia and Africa, its economic strength and employment opportunities, and its emphasis on democracy and human rights (even though many who wish to live within its borders may not respect these values) make it an attractive destination—and it will remain so for a long time to come.
One idea currently being discussed to curb illegal immigration is the creation of asylum seeker centres located in foreign countries.
Migrants would be sent to these centres, and if their application is accepted, they would be distributed to a member state; if rejected, they would be repatriated to their country of origin.
This is similar to the agreement Italy made with Albania, or the plan the UK wanted to implement with Rwanda, which was blocked by the Supreme Court.
Watching these developments now, London may be regretting its decision to leave the EU even more.
Similar proposals were rejected in 2018 by Jean-Claude Juncker’s European Commission. Today, however, the situation is very different, and there is a strong will to pursue such measures.
Migration has turned into a battleground of political confrontation and has become the vehicle by which far-right parties are gaining power. Their hardline positions and rhetoric are paving the way for electoral success.
On the issue of migration, far-right parties are making a lot of noise and overshadowing other parties that don’t have substantial or realistic solutions to offer.
For instance, the idea of open borders in 2024 sounds like a joke today, when security concerns are a top priority.
When there are no compelling arguments, but only loud voices, the winner is usually the one who shouts the loudest.
And in this case, it’s the far-right parties that are reaping double benefits: first, because their proposals are the ones being adopted, and second, because they are seen as effective in the eyes of voters.
