Berlin – ESI at online discussion on the current German migration debate

13 September 2024
Berlin
Photo: ESI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in an online discussion on “Is the migration debate derailing?” organised by Heinrich Böll Stiftung.

Gerald assessed the German migration debate with a focus on the fatal attack in the city of Solingen. In this incident this August, a Syrian refugee had killed 3 people in a knife attack, which significantly changed the policy debate on migration in Germany.

Gerald argued for a renewal of the EU-Turkey Statement, which was effective until 2020, to reduce sea crossings and prevent deaths. He described this as a solution to curb irregular migration and discourage migrants from heading to Germany. However, he emphasised that additional safe third-country agreements are necessary. Gerald maintained that the real solution does not lie in stricter border controls, building fences, or challenging EU migration laws and the Schengen agreement. Instead, humane migration policies are needed, providing asylum to those in need and ensuring fair, swift, and effective processing for those who do not qualify for protection.

Gerald debated with Jan Philipp Albrecht, Member of the Board of the Heinrich Böll Foundation and Erik Marquardt, MEP, Greens/EFA, head of the Europe group. The debate was moderated by Kirsten Krampe, head of the Migration Cluster, Heinrich Böll Foundation.