sueddeutsche.de
Netherlands and NRW Strengthen Border Controls Without Closing Borders
The Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) met to discuss curbing illegal immigration while preserving open borders, focusing on increased internal border controls, strengthened police cooperation, and combating cross-border crime, particularly ATM bombings and migrant worker exploitation.
- What specific measures are being taken to combat cross-border crime, and what are the expected results of these actions?
- Both governments aim to prevent illegal crossings while preserving the Schengen Area's free movement. Increased border controls within the EU are deemed necessary due to insufficient external border security. The focus remains on combating illegal immigration and human trafficking, not on restricting legal cross-border activities.
- How are the Netherlands and NRW addressing illegal immigration while maintaining open borders and free movement within the Schengen Area?
- The Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) agreed to curb illegal immigration without closing their shared border. Maintaining open borders is deemed crucial for their economic prosperity, as stated by NRW's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst after talks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Current border controls have minimal impact on trade and regular border traffic.
- What are the long-term implications of this cooperation, and how might it influence future EU migration policies and cross-border security strategies?
- The collaboration emphasizes the importance of strong European external borders to reduce the need for internal border controls. Expectations are set for improved cooperation with the incoming German federal government on migration issues, including return policies. Joint police teams will be continued and expanded to combat crime, particularly focusing on ATM bombings and protecting migrant workers from exploitation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative around the successful cooperation between the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasizing their joint efforts to combat crime and manage migration while maintaining open borders. This positive framing minimizes potential concerns about the impact of increased border controls on civil liberties or cross-border trade. The headline and introduction emphasize the collaboration and shared goals, setting a tone of mutual understanding and effective solutions.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral. However, terms like "illegal migration" might be considered loaded language as it frames migration outside established procedures as inherently negative, without accounting for the reasons for irregular immigration. Using a more neutral term like "irregular migration" could improve objectivity. Similarly, the repeated emphasis on the absence of border closures could be interpreted as an attempt to downplay potential negative impacts.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the cooperation between the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia regarding migration and crime. However, it omits discussion of potential criticisms of the increased border controls or alternative approaches to managing migration. It also doesn't mention the perspectives of migrant communities themselves. While the article acknowledges the limitations of current European external border security, it doesn't explore the systemic issues contributing to the problem. The focus on bilateral solutions may overshadow the necessity for broader EU-wide initiatives.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice as either open borders with uncontrolled migration or closed borders with negative economic consequences. It doesn't explore the possibility of more nuanced approaches to border management that balance security with the benefits of open borders. For example, increased cooperation and information sharing without necessarily resorting to physical border controls or extensive checks.
Sustainable Development Goals
The collaboration between the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia to combat illegal migration, organized crime (including ATM bombings), and terrorism, as well as their joint efforts to protect migrant workers from exploitation, directly contributes to stronger institutions and improved security within the border region. The strengthening of joint police teams further enhances regional security and cooperation.