The "Early Bird" Gleaning Lessons from Denmark: A Complex Encounter Between Merz and Frederiksen
Model Enthusiast Secures Design Early, Yet Complexities Remain
By Hubertus Volmer
Social media LinkedIn Reddit Telegram Pinterest Email Print Copy Link
In the halls of the Chancellery, the "favorite social democrat of conservatives in Germany" Mette Frederiksen met her "role model" Friedrich Merz, who coincidentally is now the Chancellor. Merz praised Denmark for its "pioneering" migration policies, but the reality is more intricate.
At the Munich Security Conference, Merz, then a contender for the Chancellorship, admired Frederiksen for her Russia diplomacy. However, the sigh of relief probably extends to migration policy as well. Merz has long held Denmark up as an example for its low asylum numbers, despite the influx of refugees due to the Ukrainian conflict.
A Meeting of Minds, But Different Realities
This time around, Merz and Frederiksen found common ground on central issues, particularly the need for a united Europe to counter Russian threats. On migration, Merz acknowledged Denmark's success, while acknowledging the complexities facing Germany, such as longer external borders and a larger influx of asylum seekers.
Danish Deterrence: A Model for Germany?
Denmark's approach seems attractive to Merz, who admires its mix of toughness and symbolism. However, it's unclear how much of Denmark's policy can be effectively implemented in Germany. Danish immigration minister Kaare Dybvad Bek previously noted that Denmark's refugee accommodations should be designed to discourage prolonged stays, with the message being: "You are unwanted. Accept that you have no future in this country."
This policy has drawn criticism, with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture comparing Danish conditions to prison-like environments. The practicality and ethical implications of such an approach in Germany, with its longer borders and broader cultural diversity, remain questions.
The Tough Roadhead for German Leadership
Merz has spoken in favor of asylum procedures in third countries, likely looking to Denmark as an example. However, this goal faces challenges. Closing the door to asylum seekers risks violating European Union law and could inadvertently lead to tensions with neighboring nations, potentially weakening Germany's status as a European leader.
As we watch the ongoing dialogue between Merz and Frederiksen, it's clear that their nations' migration policies will continue to evolve, with Denmark paving the way for potential German reforms. The road ahead is complex, and the success of Germany's ambitious plans remains uncertain.
Insights on Migration Policies in Germany and Denmark
- Denmark and Germany's Migration Policies: Both nations are focusing on stricter immigration policies, but Denmark, with its history of policy initiatives, serves as a model for Germany.
- Family Reunification:
- Denmark: Introduced stricter family reunification rules in 2002. Requires foreign spouses to be at least 24 years old and have stronger ties to Denmark than elsewhere.
- Germany: Currently looking to tighten family reunification policies, but specifics remain unclear.
- Integration and Welfare: Denmark has a comprehensive welfare system and places emphasis on integration, while Germany is likely to follow Denmark's approach, focusing on stricter integration requirements.
- Asylum Procedures: Both countries are pushing for stricter asylum rules, with Denmark leading the charge within the EU. Germany is planning to adopt similar approaches to expedite decisions and ensure effective deportation.
As Merz and Frederiksen seek to address migration, they'll need to navigate the complexities inherent in each nation's situation while finding common ground for European cooperation. Their discussions will undoubtedly continue to shape migration policy for years to come.
- Mette Frederiksen, praised by Friedrich Merz for her Russia diplomacy, might also find relief in the sighs of relief regarding Denmark's migration policy, a topic Merz has consistently admired due to Denmark's low asylum numbers.
- Denmark's strict family reunification rules, introduced in 2002, requiring foreign spouses to be at least 24 years old and demonstrate stronger ties to Denmark than elsewhere, could serve as a model for Germany, which is currently considering tightening its own family reunification policies.
- Asylum procedures in third countries, a goal Merz has spoken in favor of, face challenges such as potential violations of European Union law and inadvertent tensions with neighboring nations. This goal, if implemented, could draw criticism and ethical implications similar to those faced by Denmark, whose commitment to stricter integration requirements and a comprehensive welfare system has been compared to prison-like environments by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture.
