Achieving Icon Status: A Challenging Mentorship Encounter

Model-Seeking Pioneer Lands His Prize - Complexities Arise

By Hubertus Volmer

German Chancellor Merz admires Denmark as a "beacon for migration policy." And for good reason, as Merz has been lauding this Nordic nation for quite some time. Amidst the visit of Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen, Merz acknowledges the complexity of the situation in Germany.

Frederiksen, a favorite among German conservatives, once earned praise from Merz during the Munich Security Conference. Back then, Merz regarded her as a paragon of wisdom regarding dealing with Russia. But Merz might find prime solace in Frederiksen's stance on migration. In 2021, Merz urged then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz to invite Frederiksen to Berlin, appreciating her long-standing success in shaping Denmark's migration policy.

Despite an influx of refugees due to the Russian conflict in Ukraine, asylum numbers in Denmark have consistently remained low. Nonetheless, Denmark has provided shelter to many refugees, making it an intriguing example for those seeking to address migration challenges.

Aside from matters such as US President Trump's questionable claim to Greenland, the threat to Europe from Russia, and the Russian naval fleet in the Baltic Sea, migration was also greatly discussed during Frederiksen's previous visit to Berlin with her predecessor, Scholz. This time, the topic remained a focal point.

Addressing a joint press conference in the Chancellery, Merz commended Denmark for setting a "longstanding example" in migration policy. Probable encompassing his party, the CDU, Merz shared aspirations for crafting stricter asylum regulations within the European Union. Frederiksen, in turn, offered a reciprocal compliment, remarking that Merz represents an "early bird for Europe," illustrating the mutual appreciation between the two leaders.

Steering Europe's Path: A Common Goal

With numerous commonalities, Frederiksen and Merz agree on the necessity to protect Europe from Russia. Migration policy came second in their discussions, with Frederiksen expressing sincere concern among the citizens of various European nations, including Germany and Denmark. She looks forward to negotiating "solutions that reduce the influx of arrivals and enable effective returns." In her opinion, maintaining social cohesion is paramount, especially with respect to Europe's acceptance of those aspiring to reside within its borders.

Denmark has forged a unique path in migration policy, combining strictness with symbolism. Refugee accommodations are labeled "departure centers," where migrants are encouraged to believe they have little future in the country. Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek clarified last year, stating such facilities were designed to suggest: "You are unwelcome. Accept that you do not have a future in this country."

The Quest for a Danish Mold for Migration Policy

Although Denmark's approach to migration is not easily adaptable to Germany due to legal, practical, and geographical factors, Merz acknowledged those hurdles with subtlety. In response to a Danish journalist, when asked whether Germany was inclined towards Denmark's migration strategy, Merz refrained from an affirmative response. Instead, he highlighted the uniqueness of Germany's situation in comparison with Denmark, which has far fewer external borders.

Adopting a Danish Influence: Stricter EU Asylum Rules Await

As Denmark prepares to assume the EU Council presidency on July 1, both parties share an ambition to forge stricter EU asylum policies. Merz expressed his enthusiasm for the joint initiative with Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands concerning asylum processes in third countries. While Germany has taken important steps, he believes there is still ground to cover, as the numbers of asylum seekers and refugees continue to be high.

Denmark
Friedrich Merz
Federal Chancellery
Migration
Immigration
Asylum policy

Enrichment Data Insights:

Denmark and Germany, under the helms of Prime Minister Frederiksen and Chancellor Merz, respectively, possess distinct migration policies that reflect contrasting approaches to immigration management.

Denmark's Migration Policy

Family Reunification: Denmark has enforced stringent family reunification rules since 2002, demanding foreign spouses to be at least 24 years old and prove stronger ties to Denmark than elsewhere.
Asylum and Integration: Denmark has earned acclaim for its temporary protection measures and integration policies, emphasizing language and employment skills.
Economic Impact: Denmark's welfare system has experienced strain due to lower employment rates among migrants compared to native Danes.
Political Stance: Denmark has advocated for stricter EU asylum rules and joined efforts to interpret the European Convention on Human Rights in a way that allows for easier expulsion of migrants who commit crimes.

Germany's Migration Policy

Migration Policy Reform: Germany is working towards tightening its migration policy, seeking inspiration from Denmark's methods to deal with immigration challenges.
European Influence: Germany, alongside Denmark, is eager to implement stricter EU asylum rules.
Economic and Social Impact: Germany's migration policies are guided by economic considerations and the need for skilled labor, a contrast to Denmark's focus on family reunification restrictions.

Key Differences Exhibited by Leaders

Mette Frederiksen (Denmark): Strives to facilitate integration via strict family reunification criteria and advocates for EU-wide stricter asylum rules, with a focus on economic and social integration.
Friedrich Merz (Germany): Aims to transform Germany's policy by adopting stricter asylum regulations akin to Denmark's, while balancing economic and labor requirements unique to Germany.

Common Ground

Stricter Asylum Rules: Both leaders are keen on fostering stricter EU asylum policies, demonstrating shared concerns about handling migration influx.
European Cooperation: Denmark and Germany are collaborating to harmonize migration policies across the EU.

The Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen, admired by German Chancellor Merz for her migration policy, is advocating for solutions that reduce the influx of arrivals and enable effective returns, while maintaining social cohesion.
Denmark's migration policy combines strictness with symbolism, as refugee accommodations are labeled "departure centers," instilling a sense of unwelcome among migrants.
Germany and Denmark share a common goal of protecting Europe from Russia, with Chancellor Merz praising Denmark for setting a longstanding example in migration policy and aiming to adopt stricter EU asylum rules akin to Denmark's.