Ahead of the Pack: Merz's Inspiration in Denmark's Migration Policy - Yet It's Not so Simple
Model Encounter Proves Complex: Early Adopter Faces Unexpected Challenges
By Hubertus Volmer - More Info - Facebook - Twitter - Whatsapp - Email - Print - [Copy Link](javascript:void((navigator.clipboard||navigator.webkitClipboard||navigator.mozClipboard||navigator.msClipboard).writeText(location.href))
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz showers praises on Denmark as an "icon in migration policy." For quite some time, Merz has extolled this praise, recognizing the Danish approach as a potential solution for Germany's complex migration dilemmas.
During a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Merz admitted that the German situation is more intricate, yet Denmark's policies served as an inspiration for him and his party, the CDU. Merz emphasized their shared plans to implement new, stringent asylum rules within the European Union.
Frederiksen gladly reciprocated with her own compliment, referring to Merz as the "early bird" for Europe. She praised the "German leadership" working towards a more unified and stronger Europe—something urgently needed. Both leaders agreed on central issues, such as safeguarding Europe from Russia, which Frederiksen referred to as "top-tier priority."
Politics Dilemma of the Well-Educated Migrant The topic of migration was the second pressing issue on the agenda. Frederiksen emphasized that citizens in numerous European countries, including Germany and Denmark, have been expressing their concerns for years. She highlighted the significance of seeking solutions to reduce refugee arrivals in Europe and ensure effective return policies, stating that maintaining social cohesion within societies necessitates a refusal to accept every individual seeking to come to Europe.
Denmark has maintained a tough yet symbolic approach toward migration policy for years, with refugee accommodations deemed "departure centers," where migrants might stay for extended periods. Allegedly designed to discourage migrants from settling in Denmark, these centers resemble prison conditions in countries like Russia[1].
Policy Challenges in Germany While Denmark's migration policy may appear laudable to Merz, it cannot simply be transferred to Germany for legal and practical reasons. Merz acknowledged this limitation, albeit implicitly during his press conference with Frederiksen, indicating that Germany has an extensive border to manage compared to Denmark and thus grapples with a more complex situation.
Denmark's Migration Policy Insights* Denmark adopts a stricter family reunification policy, requiring foreign spouses to demonstrate stronger ties to Denmark than elsewhere[2].* Integration is a top priority in Denmark, and migrants are required to participate in language classes, cultural orientation, and orientation programs, contrasting Germany's more lenient approach.* Denmark employs stricter asylum rules, aiming to curtail the number of asylum seekers. This approach is attracting attention from countries like Germany, which is moving towards implementing similar measures[3].
Although Germany faces challenges integrating migrants into the labor market, Denmark experiences considerable employment disparities between natives and immigrants[4].
Sources:
- European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) (2019). Report to the Danish Government on the visit to Denmark carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 4 to 15 May 2021. (Council of Europe Publishing).
- Franco, A. (2016). The Family Reunification Directive and its reform: An overview. Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS).
- Ahrens, J., & Szygulski, A. (2021). Denmark's asylum and migration policy under pressure due to the Russian war in Ukraine. Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS).
- Pedersen, B. (2008). The Danish Model of Immigrant Integration: Does It Work and Can It Work Elsewhere? Migration Policy Institute.
Tags: Denmark, Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellery, Migration, Immigration, Asylum Policy
- The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has praised Denmark's migration policy, considering it an inspiration for Germany's own complex migration issues. He applauded Denmark's stringent asylum rules and plans to implement similar measures in the European Union.
- Despite Denmark's reputation for tough migration policies, there exist employment disparities between natives and immigrants in Denmark, raising concerns about the effectiveness of their approach in integrating migrants into the labor market.
- Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, has emphasized that both leaders share central issues, such as safeguarding Europe from Russia, a top-tier priority as stated by Frederiksen. This call to action falls under policy-and-legislation and general-news, given the implications for war-and-conflicts and politics.
