Catching the Early Bird: How Denmark's Migration Policy Is Setting Germany's Agenda
By Hubertus Volmer
Model Seizes First Mimic, However, Complexities Abound
Munich Security Conference, 2021 - then-conservative chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz couldn't contain his admiration for Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He praised her handling of Russia matters andeft away, hoping that all social democrats shared her pensiveness.
Fast forward to 2023, Merz, now the German Chancellor, has invited Frederiksen herself to Berlin. But this time, migration was no longer a secondary topic - it took center stage.
A Star Pupil in Merz's Class
At the joint press conference in the Chancellery, Merz acknowledged Denmark's longtime leadership in migration policy, which he claimed the CDU had been following closely. He voiced his ambition for new and stricter EU asylum rules and expressed agreement with Frederiksen on the essential issues.
Frederiksen, for her part, lauded Merz as an "early bird for Europe." She appreciated Germany's efforts to strengthen the Union, emphasizing the necessity of such actions in the current European landscape.
A Tough Love Approach
Denmark's approach to migration is often described as a blend of firmness and symbolism. Though its refugee centers are essentially living spaces, the Danish government refers to them as "departure centers." The objective is clear - to convey to asylum seekers that their future lies elsewhere.
While some criticize Denmark's policy as uncompromising, Merz has expressed admiration for it. Yet, it's worth noting that Denmark's strategy might not be feasible for Germany, given that Germany shares a much longer border with other EU countries and lacks the opt-outs that Denmark enjoys.
Migration's Unsolvable Dilemma
Merz didn't delve into these complexities when asked by the media whether Germany was shifting towards Denmark's migration policy. Instead, he reiterated Germany's intention to prepare an initiative for asylum procedures in third countries, similar to Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands' joint proposal. He admired the progress made by the previous German government, albeit recognizing that much work remains to be done.
Given the nuances involved, experts such as Raphael Bossong suggest that Germany faces a dilemma. On one hand, it seeks to place pressure on neighboring countries, but on the other, it advocates for binding EU legislation and the fulfillment of duties by all member states. This double-edged sword may lead to Germany adopting stricter migration policies,although the road ahead may not be smooth.
- Denmark
- Friedrich Merz
- Tough Love Migration Policy
- European Union Asylum Policy
- Stricter Rules for Immigrants
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Key Differences Between Germany's and Denmark's Asylum Policies
Current Policies:
- Stricter Rules in Denmark: Denmark is known for its stricter asylum policies, which have been praised by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as a model for Germany and Europe. Denmark's approach often involves more stringent requirements for asylum seekers and a focus on temporary protection[1][2].
- Temporary Protection: Denmark has emphasized temporary protection, which is different from permanent residence or citizenship. This approach allows for a more flexible and reversible status for asylum seekers, which can be adjusted based on changing circumstances in their home countries[1].
- Integration and Requirements: Denmark places a strong emphasis on integration and often requires asylum seekers to meet certain criteria, such as language skills and cultural adaptation, to achieve a more permanent status[1].
- Germany's Approach: Germany, on the other hand, has traditionally been more open to asylum seekers, with a higher recognition rate for certain nationalities. However, recent trends suggest a shift towards stricter policies, partly influenced by Denmark's model[3][4].
Impact on Germany's Migration Policy
- Tightening Policies: Germany is planning to tighten its migration policy following Denmark's example. This includes implementing stricter asylum rules and possibly adopting some of Denmark's temporary protection measures[4].
- Joint EU Initiatives: Germany and Denmark are collaborating to push for stricter asylum rules within the EU. This cooperation aims to implement these changes quickly and uniformly across member states[2].
- Effect on Refugees: The adoption of stricter policies could affect refugees, including those from Ukraine, by potentially reducing the number of successful asylum applications and increasing the emphasis on temporary forms of protection[4].
Overall, Denmark's approach to asylum policy focuses on stricter requirements and temporary protection, which Germany is considering adopting. This shift could lead to a more uniform and stricter asylum policy across Europe, potentially impacting the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.
- In the joint press conference, Chancellor Merz acknowledged Denmark's leadership in migration policy, expressing his admiration and intent to implement similar stricter EU asylum rules.
- Denmark's migration policy, often described as tough love, emphasizes temporary protection and stringent requirements for asylum seekers, with Friedrich Merz expressing admiration but acknowledging the challenges of adopting such a policy in Germany's context due to its longer shared border and different opt-outs.
