Antwerp – ESI at public debate on migration: “Europe, where do we go from here?”

12 November 2024
Antwerp
Photo: DE SINGEL/Adel Setta

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in the debate “Europe, where do we go from here?” organised by DE SINGEL in collaboration with Knack.

Gerald identified three major crises currently unfolding today: a refugee crisis, a political crisis, and a humanitarian crisis. 

He explained that the refugee crisis is primarily driven by Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has caused the largest displacement of people in Europe since the 1940s. Over four million Ukrainians have sought refuge in the EU, but their distribution across member states is uneven. Countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Austria have taken in the largest numbers, while others, such as France, have accepted far fewer. Gerald warned that as winter sets in and the war drags on, the number of refugees could rise significantly. He also pointed out that the Syrian conflict remains unresolved, with a similarly unequal distribution of Syrian refugees within the EU. The ongoing crisis in Lebanon further exacerbates this imbalance. Addressing these challenges requires effective policies to protect and distribute refugees across the EU. 

The political crisis, Gerald argued, stems from the growing influence of far-right parties, particularly in Austria with the FPÖ and globally with figures like Donald Trump. He noted that Trump’s recent election victory, coupled with promises of mass deportations, emboldens far-right movements such as Germany’s AfD. The AfD has gained substantial support in recent state elections by capitalizing on the migration debate, often promoting extreme measures like “remigration” and even deportation of legal residents. Gerald criticized mainstream German parties for failing to adequately address migration issues, leaving the AfD as the dominant voice and enabling their rise. The growing power of such parties undermines efforts to manage and resolve migration challenges constructively.  

The humanitarian crisis, Gerald emphasized, is evident in the countless deaths at sea as migrants attempt to reach the EU. He highlighted that the EU’s borders are among the deadliest globally, with current policies of pushbacks and violence at external borders worsening the situation and violating international law. These practices deepen the humanitarian crisis and tarnish the EU’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law. 

To address these crises, Gerald called for a return to policies that balance control with humanity. He argued against building walls, ending asylum rights, or disregarding the Refugee Convention, noting that such measures are counterproductive. Instead, he advocated for approaches like the 2016 EU-Turkey statement, which reduced deaths and irregular arrivals by creating clear pathways. Such safe third-country agreements, which respect the rule of law while discouraging dangerous journeys, can be replicated elsewhere. These measures, he said, offer a way to establish legal migration routes and address public concerns about control. Gerald concluded that embracing such policies is essential for effectively tackling these interconnected crises and moving forward.

Gerald debated with Bert Bultinck (editor-in-chief Knack), Jeroen Zuallaert (journalist Knack), Hanne Beirens (director Migration Policy Institute Europe), Tine Claus (director Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen), Paul Scheffer (author, professor of European studies), and Bert Gabriëls (adviser on migration at Nicole de Moor’s office).

Audio: DE SINGEL
Antwerp
Photo: DE SINGEL/Adel Setta