The EU’s Approach to Migration is Short-Sighted and Flawed

All political leaders share a fundamental aspiration – to leave a lasting, positive legacy.

In light of this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should reevaluate her position on immigration into the EU.

The strict measures against illegal migration she has championed might become a regrettable part of her legacy.

Europe needs more migrants, not fewer. While the emphasis on the small fraction of “irregular” immigrants does not fundamentally alter the overall narrative, it has contributed to a damaging perception of potential newcomers.

Too often cast as benefit seekers and even as criminals, these individuals should instead be viewed as a solution to an aging population.

The European economy is already facing challenges due to a dwindling younger, tax-contributing demographic and is in dire need of new talent.

Next June, the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum will come into effect, aiming to increase expulsion rates for the half-million individuals ordered to leave each year.

Von der Leyen underscored measures against illegal immigration during her fall State of the Union address to the European Parliament.

She and many other mainstream politicians seem to be shielding themselves from the influence of anti-immigrant populist movements, yet they cater to biases rather than promoting the potential benefits that migration could bring.

It has been 25 years since an EU summit in Tampere stated: “Our aim is to develop a European Union that is open to those who justifiably seek access to our territory and capable of responding to humanitarian needs based on solidarity.”

However, the trend has moved in the opposite direction.

The strengthening of borders and the increased role of the Frontex border security agency have become key components of a more stringent approach.

The EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, effective next June, will lead to heightened expulsions of the half-million individuals mandated to leave every year.

This may also introduce divisions, as it necessitates that member states support the financial burdens faced by other EU countries.

Although Europe lacks the controversial ICE tactics seen in Donald Trump’s America, it faces scrutiny from media in the Arab world for its methods, with Al Jazeera reporting that the EU “is just as brutal.”

Regardless of its accuracy, the narrative around immigration in Europe is heavily skewed toward its negative aspects, overshadowing economic benefits.

The European Commission should actively confront immigration opponents.

The statistics surrounding immigration are chaotic, inciting heated debates on the topic.

Budget cuts and staffing shortages impede the processing of irregular migrants and asylum claims, leaving countless individuals in legal limbo.

While they are relatively few compared to the four to five million legal immigrants entering the EU annually, their uncertain status clouds the argument for the need for an additional workforce.

In the US, the Congressional Budget Office recently highlighted the economic harm caused by the anti-migrant policies enacted during Trump’s presidency.

It noted that these policies would negatively affect the American workforce and GDP growth for the next 30 years – a pivotal lesson for European policymakers to heed.

Moreover, it is crucial for the European Commission to actively challenge opposition to immigration.

Ursula von der Leyen has concentrated on targeting people smugglers but has not sufficiently emphasized the advantages newcomers can provide.

Much of the controversy surrounding immigration arises from a lack of understanding. It has long been recognized that regions with fewer immigrants often display greater hostility than those with higher numbers.

This is evident in some of the most anti-immigration EU member states, where only 2.6% of Poland’s population is foreign-born, with similar figures around 3% in Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.

Anti-immigration sentiment also presents challenges for the EU itself.

The belief that illegal migrants exploit the EU’s internal borders for work threatens the 40-year-old Schengen agreement that guarantees free movement.

Legally ambiguous border checks in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Slovakia raise concerns in Brussels, managing to catch only 0.38% of illegal migrants thus far.

It’s understandable that officials in Brussels want to reassure EU citizens about their external border security.

However, this sends a misguided message at a time when Europeans face demographic decline. It is essential for Ursula von der Leyen to prioritize her legacy alongside the best interests of Europe.

*The views expressed in this Frankly Speaking op-ed are those of the author and do not reflect those of Friends of Europe.

*This article originally appeared on the Friends of Europe website and is reproduced with kind permission.

*The views expressed by the author, Giles Merritt, do not necessarily represent those of The Bulrushes.