dw.com
Shifting European Attitudes Towards Migration: From Merkel's 'Wir schaffen das' to Stricter Asylum Policies
Angela Merkel's 2015 decision to allow unrestricted refugee entry into Germany led to over a million asylum applications in 2015-2016, impacting EU-wide asylum numbers and fueling a political shift towards stricter migration policies.
- What are the current trends and future implications of the evolving European migration policy?
- The EU is implementing stricter asylum rules, including border procedures for refugees from low-recognition countries and a new return regulation aiming to facilitate deportations even without migrant consent. This reflects pressure from member states and a focus on border control. While public opinion on migrants is complex, the political discourse has become significantly more restrictive, normalizing stricter approaches to migration.
- What was the immediate impact of Angela Merkel's 2015 decision on refugee influx into Germany and the EU?
- Merkel's decision led to over one million asylum applications in Germany in 2015-2016. EU-wide, asylum applications surged, exceeding 1.2 million in 2015 and 1.5 million in 2016, remaining above pre-2015 levels in subsequent years, except for 2020. This influx significantly increased the strain on asylum systems across the EU.
- How has the political discourse surrounding migration in Europe evolved since 2015, and what factors contributed to this change?
- The initial focus on humanitarian duty, reflected in Merkel's "Wir schaffen das," has shifted towards a security-risk narrative. This change is attributed to the strain on asylum systems, the rise of right-wing populist parties, and the framing of migration as a cause for domestic issues like housing shortages. The new EU Pact on Asylum and Migration prioritizes border protection and faster deportations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced overview of the impact of Angela Merkel's 2015 immigration policy, highlighting both the increase in asylum seekers and the subsequent political and social consequences. While it mentions the rise of right-wing populist parties, it also notes a shift in public discourse away from scapegoating migrants for societal problems. The inclusion of diverse perspectives from experts like Anouk Pronk and Lenka Drazanova contributes to a nuanced portrayal, avoiding overly simplistic narratives.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. While terms like "zloglasnu" (infamous) might carry a slightly negative connotation, the overall tone avoids inflammatory language and presents facts without excessive emotional charge. The article uses data from Eurostat and other reliable sources, which supports its objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including data on the economic contributions of migrants to European countries. Additionally, it could explore the specific challenges faced by different migrant groups, as lumping them together under the broad label of "migrants" could obscure important nuances. The focus is primarily on the European perspective, and perspectives from migrants themselves are largely absent.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the impact of migration on European politics and public opinion. The rise of right-wing populist parties, fueled by anti-immigration sentiment, poses a threat to democratic institutions and social cohesion. The increasing focus on border security and stricter asylum policies, as exemplified by the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration, reflects a shift towards prioritizing security over human rights and international cooperation, potentially undermining the rule of law and international cooperation principles.