Münster – ESI on migration in Europe at the Westphalian Peace Conference 2025

4 April 2025
Video: Wirtschaftliche Gesellschaft Westfalen Lippe

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to the Westphalian Peace Conference 2025 and participated in the panel debate on “Migration in Europe.”

In his speech, Gerald emphasised that effective migration policy must deliver not only results, such as reduced asylum numbers but also clear, credible explanations that uphold democratic values and human rights. He warned that the success of hardline approaches, like those of Donald Trump in the US, could serve as a model for right-wing populists in Europe, as they reduce migration numbers by undermining the rule of law and human rights.

Gerald argued that democracies must prove they can achieve similar results without resorting to such measures, pointing to past successes like the 2016 EU-Turkey statement, which significantly reduced irregular migration through cooperation rather than repression.

Gerald stressed that migration policy must be both humane and practical, focusing on those who pose genuine threats while ensuring successful integration of those who contribute to society. He concluded that “we need to preserve our democracy and prosperity in the years to come.”

Gerald debated with Nathanael Liminski (Minister for Europe, North Rhine-Westphalia) Rolf Buch (CEO Vonovia) and Paolo Rangel (Foreign Minister of Portugal). The panel was moderated by Eva Lindenau (ARD Phoenix).

The debate opened with a speech by Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Migration.

Münster
Photo: Wirtschaftliche Gesellschaft Westfalen Lippe