Frankfurt – ESI at StreitClub on migration and democracy

26 May 2025

Gerald Knaus and Katrin Göring-Eckardt. Photo: StreitClub

ESI’s Gerald Knaus participated in StreitClub #14 at the Fliegende Volksbühne Frankfurt, a debate format hosted by political scientist Nicole Deitelhoff, director of the Leibniz Institute Hessian Foundation for Peace and Conflict Research, and Michel Friedman, lawyer, author and former vice-president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

The debate focused on migration as one of the most polarising political issues in Germany and Europe today. Gerald debated with Katrin Göring-Eckardt, member of the Bundestag and former vice-president of parliament, about the future of EU asylum and migration policy in the aftermath of the 2025 federal elections.

Gerald warned that without a convincing migration strategy, parties like the AfD would likely continue to gain ground in Germany, as the FPÖ has in Austria. He stressed the need for effective and humane migration policies that combine control with respect for the rule of law, in order to defend democracy and prevent authoritarian models from gaining traction.

The debate was followed closely by a class of students from the Marienschule in Offenbach near Frankfurt, two of whom joined the speakers on stage to contribute their views in the final segment.

ESI proposal: Safe Third Country Agreements
ESI proposal: EU-Turkey Statement 2.0
ESI proposal: Humane Borders

Photo: StreitClub