Friedrichshafen – ESI at discussion on EU foreign and migration policy

22 October 2024
Gerald at discussion
Photo: ESI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in a panel discussion titled “Is the EU even capable of acting in foreign policy?” organised by the Bodensee Business Forum.

Gerald criticised the German government’s current policy of enforcing border controls, explaining that these measures do not reduce irregular migration or asylum applications. He argued that stricter border controls could conflict with the rule of law and make EU border policies less humane.

Gerald also discussed the EU’s refugee policy and the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), adopted in June 2023, and criticised that these are not concrete solutions for managing migration. He emphasised that safe third country agreements are key to reducing irregular migration. Such agreements enable fair and efficient asylum decisions, reduce the risk of deaths and exploitation by smugglers, and ultimately decrease migration numbers. Gerald advocated for renewing the EU-Turkey statement, noting its initial success in lowering deaths and arrivals.

He also stressed the importance of adhering to EU law, asserting that Germany would not suspend the right to asylum, unlike Hungary, as it upholds the rule of law.

Gerald discussed with Anja Opitz, Head of the International Politics and Security Policy Department at the Academy for Political Education in Tutzing, Jean Asselborn, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Member of the European Parliament. The panel was moderated by Ralph Sina, freelance journalist and former USA and EU correspondent of the German public radio and TV.

After the panel discussion, Gerald travelled to Luxembourg and met with Koen Lenaerts, the president of the European Court of Justice.

Gerald in Luxembourg
Gerald Knaus and Koen Lenaerts. Photo: ESI