Weiherhammer – ESI on migration policy at Junge Union Deutschlands national council meeting

ESI’s Gerald Knaus spoke at a panel discussion titled “Restarting Germany,” with a focus on migration policy, at the German national council meeting of the Junge Union Deutschlands, the youth wing of Germany’s Christian democratic party.

Gerald addressed the root causes of flight and migration in Europe, warning that Russia’s war in Ukraine could result in millions of refugees as part of Putin’s strategy to overwhelm Europe. He emphasised the urgency of ensuring a fair distribution of refugees across Europe, arguing that the burden must not fall disproportionately on a few countries. 

He also cautioned against the rise of right-wing populist parties and their harmful anti-immigration narratives, aiming to foster fear and misinformation about asylum seekers. He advocated for safe third-country agreements to replace the current practice of violent pushbacks, ensuring humane borders and a fundamental shift in EU asylum policy that respects human dignity. 

Gerald discussed with Joachim Herrmann, member of the Bavarian Landtag and Bavarian minister of the interior. The panel was moderated by Nicola Gehringer, deputy federal chair of Junge Union. Markus Söder, minister-president of Bavaria, also gave a speech at the event.

Gerald with Joachim Herrmann and Markus Söder. Photo: Junge Union

 

 

• ESI proposal: Safe Third Country Agreements
• ESI proposal: EU-Turkey Statement 2.0
• Süddeutsche Zeitung: Wir müssen mit Drittstaaten verhandeln, ("We have to negotiate with third countries") Interview with Gerald Knaus, 12 November 2024