AModel Migration: Denmark's Impact on Germany's Approach under Merz
Model and Early Adopter Cross Paths, Relationship Proves Complex
German Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz hails Denmark as a "beacon in migration policy" for its strict guidelines and low asylum numbers. During Mette Frederiksen's recent visit to Berlin, this bond between the two political leaders grew stronger, yet the application of Denmark's model comes with challenges for Germany.
Frederiksen, a favored Social Democrat in Germany, was lauded by Merz at the Munich Security Conference. In the face of Russia's challenging dynamic, Merz praised Frederiksen's handling of geopolitical matters, expressing that he wished all social democrats were like her.
However, the complements extended to migration policy are more complex. Last year, Merz advocated for Chancellor Olaf Scholz to invite Frederiksen to discuss Denmark's successful migration strategy. Despite a significant influx of refugees due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Denmark's asylum numbers have remained low for years, making it an appealing model for parties like the CDU.
"Early Bird" Versus Complicated Context
Reuniting in Berlin, Merz and Frederiksen each acknowledged the other as a role model. Frederiksen, acknowledging Germany's leadership in Europe, called Merz an "early bird for Europe." Merz admired Denmark's long-standing migration policy and Germany's efforts to enforce stricter asylum rules in the EU.
Danish and German immigration policies differ significantly, with Denmark relying on deterrent measures through tight family reunification rules and strict asylum criteria. This methodology serves to discourage asylum seekers, resulting in a smaller pool of applicants. In contrast, Germany, despite its historical openness, is now pushing for more stringent immigration policies to reduce the number of asylum seekers.
Bridging the Gap: Legal and Practical Concerns
When asked about the implementation of Denmark's model in Germany, Merz acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the idea, given Germany's much longer borders and intricate legal obligations within the EU. It is important to note that Denmark has secured various "opt-outs" since its accession to the European Communities in 1973, granting more flexibility than other EU states.
Moreover, Denmark's geographical advantage as a final destination for refugees makes its deterrent policies slightly more effective. Refugees typically must pass through Germany to reach Denmark, so more migrants might remain in Germany if Danish policies grow exceptionally restrictive.
A Balancing Act: The German Government's Dilemma
Some experts see the German government in a Catch-22 situation. As Merz strives to exert pressure on neighboring states to prevent refugees from entering Germany, the country is bound by EU law to uphold certain obligations. This tension between enforcing borders and complying with EU regulations is the crux of the German government's predicament.
The Road Forward: Unity and Collaboration
Despite the challenges, Merz and Frederiksen both express agreement on key issues, with their focus on protecting Europe from Russia and reducing the influx of refugees to maintain societal harmony. As Denmark forges ahead to take over the EU Council presidency on July 1, both countries are working to develop new, joint asylum policies within the EU, with Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands spearheading the initiative.
Source: ntv.de
- Denmark
- Friedrich Merz
- Federal Chancellery
- Migration
- Immigration
- Asylum Policy
- Denmark's migration policy, with its strict guidelines and low asylum numbers, has become a model that Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor candidate, has highlighted, admiring its potential for reducing the number of asylum seekers in Germany.
- In the context of politics and policy-and-legislation, Denmark's approach to migration, characterized by deterrent measures like tight family reunification rules and stringent asylum criteria, is contrasted with Germany's historical openness.
- Germany, under Merz's leadership, is faced with a dilemma in implementing Denmark's model, as it grapples with balancing the need to deter asylum seekers with EU law, embroiled in a complex web of legal obligations and geographical considerations.
