A Match Made in Politics: Merz and Frederiksen - A Tale of Influence and Complicated Admiration
Emerging Encounter Between Pioneer and His Subject - Yet, Matter Gets Complex
By Hubertus Volmer
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz lauded Denmark as a "paragon of migration policy." This praise has echoed for quite some time. During a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Merz conceded that the German situation is indeed more intricate.
Mette Frederiksen, a beloved social democrat among German conservatives, once earned Friedrich Merz' admiration during the Munich Security Conference, when he stated, "If only all social democrats were like Mette Frederiksen!" Their camaraderie, initially, revolved around dealing with Russia.
Merz' relief might have extended beyond Russia, too, when it comes to migration policy. In the past, Merz urged the previous Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, to invite Frederiksen to Berlin, acknowledging Denmark's success in immigration policy for years. Refugee numbers in Denmark have been low, despite a rise in refugees due to Russia's war against Ukraine.
The Changing Tide: New Alliances and Collaboration
Merz, earlier, had expressed his desire to work with Frederiksen—and now, he has invited her to Berlin. While she was already in Berlin in January, alongside Scholz, this meeting had a different agenda. US President Donald Trump's claim to Greenland, European threats from Russia, the Russian fleet in the Baltic Sea, and migration were all covered.
"A Beacon of Inspiration"
Unlike during their first encounter, migration was a key topic of discussion this time around. "Denmark has served as an inspiration for us in the realm of migration policy for quite some time," Merz stated during the joint press conference with Frederiksen in the chancellery. "We are also working together on new and harsher asylum rules in the European Union." By "we," Merz likely referred to his party, the CDU.
Frederiksen countered with a complement. She quoted an old saying, stating, "You are an early bird for Europe" in English, addressing Merz. She expressed her pleasure at witnessing "German leadership," striving for a stronger Europe—which she deemed necessary. Both leaders agreed on vital issues, such as safeguarding Europe from Russia.
A Matter of Numbers and Solutions
Migration rose to second place on the agenda. "For years, our citizens from various European countries, including Germany and Denmark, have expressed their concerns," said Frederiksen. She is set to assume the EU Council presidency on July 1. She expressed her eagerness to "collaborate with the new German Chancellor." Europe requires measures reducing the influx of migrants and ensuring "effective returns," stated Frederiksen. "If we aim to preserve the social cohesion of our societies, we cannot accommodate everyone who desires to come to Europe."
Danish immigration policy may not be easily transposable to Germany due to legal, practical, and geographical factors. Merz acknowledged these constraints without elaborating, refraining from a straightforward "yes" in response to a Danish journalist, who inquired whether Germany was moving toward Danish migration policy. Instead, he referenced Germany's lengthy borders and the complexities associated with the situation.
A Mixed Approach: Denmark's Migration Policy
Moreover, Denmark has a land border with Germany that is barely 70 kilometers, which is relatively easy to manage compared to Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria, which exceed 2,000 kilometers in length. Furthermore, since joining the European Communities in 1973, Denmark has secured several "opt-outs" that allow the country to bypass some European laws, granting it more flexibility than other EU nations.
Lastly, Denmark's northern location means that refugees typically must pass through Germany to reach it, which may have likely led more migrants to stay in Germany due to Danish deterrence policies. This suggests that Denmark's migration policy may have potential consequences for Germany.
The Dilemma: Balancing Pressure and Solidarity
Raphael Bossong, a migration expert, articulates the German government's dilemma when interviewed by ntv.de. On one hand, the government seeks to increase pressure on neighboring countries by enforcing border controls. On the other hand, Germany has consistently advocated for strengthening EU law and fostering compliance among EU member states. This, in turn, would mean that Germany must adhere to these same regulations—leading to a catch-22 situation that the German government is trying to navigate.
Merz did not touch upon this conundrum during his meeting with Frederiksen, instead commending the joint initiative of Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands focusing on asylum procedures in third countries. He even praised the prior federal government for taking initial steps in the right direction: "The numbers [of asylum seekers and refugees] are decreasing, yet we still have a long way to go."
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has recently lauded Denmark’s migration policy, and expressed plans to establish new and stricter asylum rules in the European Union in collaboration with Denmark. Mette Frederiksen reciprocated with praise, stating that Germany is an "early bird for Europe" in terms of leadership. Both leaders aim to reduce the number of migrants and refugees in Europe.
Key Differences and Similarities:
- Denmark’s Policy as a Model: Merz views Denmark as a role model for Germany and Europe in implementing harsher immigration controls, detailing Denmark's strict policies such as the limitation of family reunification, sending asylum seekers to third countries, and maintaining narrow asylum criteria.
- Germany's Current Direction: Germany, under Merz' leadership, seeks to move closer to Denmark's restrictive policies by advocating for stricter EU-wide asylum rules—a departure from their previously more lenient stance on immigration.
- Shared Goals in Europe: Both leaders aim to reduce the number of migrants in Europe, demonstrate leadership, and work together with other EU nations to implement tougher asylum regulations, suggesting a convergence in policy rather than divergence in the future direction of their respective countries.
- The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, have discussed implementing new and harsher asylum rules in the European Union, drawing inspiration from Denmark's migration policy.
- Mette Frederiksen has described German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as an "early bird for Europe" in terms of leadership, noting that both leaders are working together to reduce the influx of migrants and refugees in Europe, with a focus on establishing stricter policies in the realm of migration and asylum.
