Frankfurt – ESI at panel discussion on refugees and migration: “Is Europe failing?”

13 October 2021
Video: Center for Applied European Studies

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in a panel discussion on “Flight and migration: Is Europe failing?” organised by the Center for Applied European Studies (CAES) as a part of its event series “Think Europe - Europe thinks”.  The panel debated questions such as: is the current European refugee and asylum policy compatible with European values? Can we really “manage it” or is Europe failing at its external borders? What are the implications for European solidarity – inside and outside?

Gerald presented concrete facts on migration numbers, and the dangers of nationalist rhetoric by some European leaders in the debate. In addition, he outlined ESI’s proposal for a new, humane approach on borders and asylum, warning of the dangers of pushbacks at the EU’s borders as well as calling for more resettlement programmes.

Gerald debated with Jochen Oltmer, Professor of Modern History and board member of the Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS) at the University of Osnabrück. The event was moderated by Michel Friedman, Executive Director of CAES.