The EU’s Stance on Migration Is Misguided and Myopic

Every political leader shares a common desire – to leave a positive mark in history.

Given this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should reconsider her stance on immigration into the EU.

The crackdown on illegal migration that she has advocated may turn out to be a regrettable legacy.

Europe requires more migrants, not fewer. While the focus on the small percentage of “irregular” immigrants doesn’t significantly change the overall narrative, it has fostered a harmful perception of potential newcomers.

Often labeled as benefit seekers and even criminals, these individuals should be embraced as a solution to an ageing population.

The economy of Europe is already grappling with a decline in its younger, tax-paying demographic and needs fresh talent.

Next June, the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum will come into effect, aimed at increasing expulsion rates of the half-million individuals annually ordered to leave.

Von der Leyen emphasized measures against illegal immigration in her autumn State of the Union address to the European Parliament.

She and many other mainstream politicians are attempting to shield themselves from the sway of anti-immigrant populist parties, yet they cater to biases rather than emphasize the potential benefits that migration could bring.

It has been 25 years since an EU summit in Tampere declared: “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 been moving in the opposite direction.

The fortification of borders and the enhancement of the Frontex border security agency have become central to a stricter approach.

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

This may also introduce division, as it requires member states to financially support the costs incurred by other EU countries.

While Europe doesn’t have the controversial ICE tactics seen in Donald Trump’s America, it faces criticism from media in the Arab world for its methods – with Al Jazeera reporting that the EU “is just as brutal.”

Regardless of its validity, the narrative surrounding immigration in Europe is skewed heavily towards its negative aspects, overshadowing economic advantages.

The European Commission ought to be actively challenging immigration opponents.

The statistics surrounding immigration are chaotic, fueling heated discussions on the topic.

Budget cuts and manpower limitations hinder the processing of irregular migrants and asylum requests, resulting in a legal limbo for countless individuals.

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

In the US, the Congressional Budget Office recently highlighted the economic detriment caused by the anti-migrant policies of the Trump administration.

It noted that these policies would adversely impact the American workforce and GDP growth for the next 30 years – a crucial lesson for European policymakers to consider.

Moreover, it is vital for the European Commission to confront the opposition to immigration actively.

Ursula von der Leyen has focused on targeting people smugglers but has not highlighted the benefits newcomers offer.

Controversy surrounding immigration stems mostly from a lack of understanding. It has been long recognized that areas with fewer immigrants often exhibit more hostility than those with higher numbers.

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

Anti-immigration sentiment also poses challenges to the EU itself.

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

Legally questionable border checks in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Slovakia raise alarms in Brussels, capturing only 0.38% of illegal migrants so far.

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

However, this sends the wrong message as 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, are not necessarily those of The Bulrushes