Meet the Early Bird: Merz admires Frederiksen's Migration Policy Strides, but it's Complicated
Ahead of the Game: Model Acquisition Proven Swift Yet Complex
By Hubertus Volmer
In the realm of politics, Denmark has earned the title of a "role model" in migration policy, particularly for Germany's contender for Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. At a recent press conference, Merz acknowledged that the German migration landscape is substantially more convoluted than Denmark's.
Merz, impressed by the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during the Munich Security Conference, hailed her as "a social democrat favorite amongst conservatives in Germany." The praise centered around Denmark's successful migration policy, which Merz had previously urged then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz to adopt.
A Long-standing Model
Merz, now serving as the German Chancellor, recently welcomed Frederiksen to Berlin, with migration policy being a primary topic of discussion. Emphasizing Denmark's long-standing status as a role model, Merz stated that, "Denmark has been a role model for us in migration policy for a long time." In turn, Frederiksen encouraged Merz, stating, "You are an early bird for Europe."
You might wonder what it takes to earn such a title, and the answer lies in Denmark's persistent commitment to migration policy specifics. Despite having a significant number of refugees due to the Russian-Ukraine war, asylum numbers in Denmark have remained low for years.
Denmark's Approach: Toughness and Symbolism
Denmark's migration policy has been characterized by a blend of rigor and symbolism for years. Refugee centers are referred to as "departure centers," even though many refugees live there for extended periods. In 2019, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture compared the conditions in the Ellebæk departure center to prison conditions in countries like Russia [1].
The objective behind this setup is clear: these facilities should be designed unappealingly, communicating to migrants, "You are unwanted. Accept that you have no future in this country." But Denmark's migration policy isn't without challenges for Germany, given the legal and practical complexities at play.
The German Dilemma: Exerting "Leadership" or Deterrence?
Denmark's border with Germany is mere 70 kilometers long, making control more manageable compared to Germany's extensively lengthy borders with countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria. Additionally, Denmark has enjoyed various "opt-outs" that allow the country to disregard certain European laws, making Danish asylum policy more flexible than other EU member states.
However, these advantages can also pose challenges for Germany. Denmark's tougher stance on migration may sometimes lead migrants to stay in Germany instead, as they may perceive Denmark as difficult to enter or stay in.
The Catch-22: Pressure and Compliance
Migration expert Raphael Bossong explains the German government's predicament: "On the one hand, it wants to increase pressure on neighboring countries through border controls. On the other hand, Germany has always pushed for stricter EU law and more states to comply with their obligations. This means, in turn, that we must also comply. That's the Catch-22 the German government finds itself in."
Accordingly, Merz's praise for Denmark may face certain challenges in actual implementation within the German context. The German government must balance the need for leadership with the requirement of compliance with EU regulations.
Source: ntv.de
- Denmark
- Germany
- Frederiksen
- Merz
- Migration
- Asylum Policy
[1] European Committee for the Prevention of Torture: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/focus-on-denmark/-/focus-on-denmark/
- In his discussions with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, newly appointed German Chancellor Merz acknowledged Denmark's long-standing status as a role model for its migration policies, particularly in the realm of asylum.
- Migration policy specifics, such as Denmark's use of 'departure centers' characterizing rigor and symbolism, have influenced Germany's political landscape, creating a complex dilemma for German politicians like Merz, who admire Denmark's approach yet face legal and practical challenges in implementing similar policies within the European Union.
