Munich – ESI at Munich Security Conference side event on threats to liberal democracy

Jan Stöckmann, Charlotte von Bomhard, Kimberly Emerson, Gerald Knaus. Photo: MunichYoungForum-S.Kastner

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in a panel discussion on “Walls versus Open Doors: Fear, Migration, Human Rights, and the Fragility of Liberal Democracy in a World of Disruption” organised by the Munich Young Forum Munich Security Conference Side Event. 

Gerald warned against the dangers of weaponizing the fear of migration. He pointed out that populists from the US and Europe are exploiting such fears to undermine democratic values, from Trump’s restrictive asylum policies to the AfD’s tactics in Germany.

He argued that mass deportations and asylum bans pose a direct challenge to the European Convention on Human Rights, threatening not only fundamental principles but also the stability of the Schengen area and the Single Market. He advocated for practical solutions such as safe third country agreements, similar to the 2016 EU-Turkey deal, and establishing legal migration pathways. These steps, he emphasized, would reduce irregular migration, save lives, and adhere to international law.

Gerald urged decisive action to address the rising anti-immigration sentiment in Europe. He stressed that Europe‘s policies should be humane and effective, protecting those in need while ensuring efficient border management.