Munich – ESI on the ‘Balkan Route’ and the future of migration management

17 November 2025
Frauenkirche in Munich. Photo: flickr/barnyz
Frauenkirche in Munich. Photo: flickr/barnyz

ESI’s Gerald Knaus travelled to Munich to participate in a panel on the past and present of the ‘Balkan Route’ migration corridor between the Middle East and Germany.  The panel was organized by the Südosteuropa-Gesellschaft. Gerald was joined on the panel by Susanne Glass from the Bavarian Public Radio. The discussion was moderated byHansjorg Brey.

On the panel, Gerald argued that Europe is facing a critical stress-test. Far-right parties such as the AfD are gaining ground – particularly in eastern Germany – by mobilising support through identitarian narratives and fears about uncontrolled migration. He noted that rhetoric will not solve this problem – even as Austria’s chancellor promised a crackdown, migrants continued to come to Austria over the Balkan route in record numbers. Gerald explained how democratic actors could instead reclaim the initiative and halt the far right’s momentum by promoting migration policies rooted in the rule of law and guided by a vision that offers hope rather than fear.

Gerald emphasized that such a solution is not a pipe-dream. He spoke about his work in shutting down the ‘Balkan Route’ by passing the 2016 EU-Turkey deal, pointing to the sharp decline in deaths in the Mediterranean and along the Balkan Route following the agreement. Similar arrangements, he suggested, could be pursued again today, with a potential EU–UK agreement serving as a new example of an ethical migration partnerships. Ultimately, this can help Europe regain control over migration, ensure those needing protection get it, and provide more legal pathways for migration to Europe.