Migrant crisis: How Europe went from Merkel's 'We can do it' to pulling up the drawbridge
The day they appeared he could hardly believe his eyes. Small boat after small boat bearing in from the Turkish side. 'I have so many memories that are coming back to me now,' says Paris Laoumis, a hotelier on the Greek island of Lesbos. This was August 2015, and Europe was witnessing the greatest movement in population since World War II, with over a million people arriving in the EU driven by violence in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Back then, Laoumis provided food and clothing to the exhausted asylum seekers. 'I am proud of what we did,' he states. But today, as he looks at the quiet beach devoid of arrivals, he fears another crisis is imminent. This summer, migration minister has evoked fears of an 'invasion' with thousands arriving from countries like Sudan and Egypt.
In 2015, countries like Germany welcomed in nearly 170,000 asylum seekers in a month following Chancellor Angela Merkel's famous declaration, 'Wir schaffen das' ('We can do it'). However, that sentiment quickly became a liability. Within weeks, Merkel's government had to impose border controls as the political climate shifted drastically.
Since then, many European nations have hardened their stances on migration. The rise of far-right parties is a clear response to public concerns regarding security and the economy, leading to challenges against previous policies that were once more welcoming.
Hungary's response to the crisis set a precedent for strict measures, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government erected border fences and adopted policies to push back asylum seekers. The EU currently fines Hungary for noncompliance with asylum laws, indicating a tug-of-war over migration policy within the bloc.
As public sentiment continues to tilt towards skepticism and apprehension, the struggle for compassion amidst rising crime rates and socio-political tension has created a complex dilemma. The narrative surrounding migration in European countries like Sweden has shifted dramatically, leading citizens to voice concerns about crime linked to immigration, even as diverse voices within these communities continue to advocate for inclusivity and support.
This reflection on a decade of changing migration dynamics underscores a fundamental challenge facing European leaders: balancing humanitarian obligations with political realities amidst deeply seated fears over economic and social stability.
The path that led Europe from a climate of compassionate acceptance in 2015 to today’s often exclusionary policies is shaped by ongoing global crises and complex socio-economic factors that require urgent and thoughtful responses.
