As Europe Shifts Right, Governments Stiffen Migration Policies

AFP/APP

Paris: The recent electoral success of far-right parties across key European nations is leading even centrist and left-leaning governments to tighten migration policies, raising concerns among activists about the fragmentation of unity within the EU.

In Germany, the far-right has gained ground in two state elections, prompting the socialist-led national government in Berlin to reimpose border controls that challenge the free movement principles of the Schengen zone.

Similarly, the Dutch government, which includes the party led by far-right figure Geert Wilders, has sought an opt-out from EU asylum regulations, citing an “asylum crisis.”

The UK’s new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer of the Labour Party, has engaged with Italy’s Georgia Meloni, whose party has neo-fascist origins, to explore strategies for reducing migration.

Following strong performances by far-right parties in the June European elections, President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections that resulted in the appointment of right-wing Michel Barnier as prime minister, who has advocated for a migration moratorium.

Jerome Vignon from the Jacques Delors Institute noted a clear rightward shift in EU migration policies, reflecting the growing influence of far-right rhetoric. Florian Trauner, a migration specialist, emphasized that anti-immigration views are now infiltrating center-right and even center-left parties, as seen in Germany.

While the Labour government has abandoned plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, it shows interest in Italy’s arrangement with Albania to process migrants.

Other EU nations, like Cyprus, have suspended asylum applications from Syrians, while Finland and Lithuania have enacted laws allowing border pushbacks. These developments undermine the new EU migration pact set to take effect in 2026.

In response to recent violent attacks attributed to radical Islamists, Germany expelled 28 Afghans back to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban’s takeover, signaling a shift from its post-WWII image as a model for integration.

The ongoing migratory pressure, with over 500,000 asylum applications filed in the EU this year alone, highlights the complexities of the situation.

Despite criticism from EU allies like Greece and Poland, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz received unexpected praise from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his actions, illustrating a growing acceptance of restrictive policies among certain EU members.

Amnesty International’s Adriana Tidona criticized the EU Commission for its inaction, which fosters a climate of impunity for unilateral migration policies.

However, European leaders recognize the vital role migrants play in sustaining sectors like transport and healthcare and attracting skilled labor.

Sophie Meiners from the German Council on Foreign Relations pointed out that despite their rhetoric, European leaders are pragmatic about addressing labor needs alongside implementing restrictive measures.