Merz Embraces Denmark's Migration Model, but It's Complicated
Quick Access Result: Model Acquired Early, Yet Complexities Persist
By Hubertus Volmer
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German Chancellor Merz commends Denmark as a "beacon in migration policy." He has been doing this for years. During the visit of Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen, he acknowledges that the situation in Germany is more intricate.
Mette Frederiksen, the favored social democrat among German conservatives, has caught Merz's attention. At the Munich Security Conference, Friedrich Merz, then a contender for chancellor, said, "If only all social democrats were like Mette Frederiksen!" Back then, it was about handling Russia.
Yet, his relief probably expands beyond politics. Last year, Merz urged then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz to invite Frederiksen to Berlin, as Denmark has been "pioneering migration policy for years." Indeed, asylum numbers in Denmark have remained low for years, contrary to the influx of refugees due to the Russian war against Ukraine.
A Migration Model of Toughness and Symbolism
Merz recently banded together with Frederiksen in Berlin - although she visited in January, with Scholz. As before, the conversation revolved around US President Trump's claim on Greenland, the threat to Europe from Russia, and the Russian shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea.
But this time, they also discussed migration policy. "Denmark has been setting an example in migration policy for a long time," Merz declared at the joint press conference with Frederiksen at the chancellery. With "us," he likely referred to his party, the CDU. "We are also collaborating on new and more stringent asylum rules in the European Union." The "we" then referred to the new German government.
Frederiksen responded with praise. "The early bird gets the worm," she said to Merz in English, quoting the proverb. She considers it a delight to witness "German leadership" working towards a stronger Europe, "which is essential." Merz and she find common ground on central issues, she added. Protecting Europe from Russia holds "priority."
A Bird of a Different Feather
Migration policy was the second topic. "We've been hearing concerns from our citizens in many European countries, including Germany and Denmark, for years," said Frederiksen, whose country will assume the EU presidency on July 1. She is pleased to "collaborate with the new German Chancellor." Europe needs solutions that decrease the number of arrivals and ensure "effective returns," she stated. "If we hope to preserve the social cohesion of our societies, we cannot welcome everyone who wishes to come to Europe."
Such statements make Frederiksen a role model for Merz. Denmark has pursued a mix of firmness and symbolism in migration policy for years. Many refugees live in Denmark despite the tagging of accommodations as "departure centers" - even if they reside there for years. In 2019, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture compared the conditions in the Ellebæk departure center to prison conditions in countries like Russia.
Denmark's Reach does not Extend Far
However, Danish asylum policy is not easily transferable to Germany - for legal and practical reasons. Merz granted this at the press conference with Frederiksen without going into detail: When asked by a Danish journalist whether Germany was heading toward Danish migration policy, Merz did not answer with a resonating "yes," as he might have done as an opposition politician. Instead, he pointed out that Germany possesses "many more external borders" than Denmark, and the situation in Germany is "more convoluted."
Politics Europe's Strictest Asylum Policies: How Denmark Deters Refugees Correct. Denmark has a land border of approximately 70 kilometers with Germany, much easier to control than Germany's border of over 2,000 kilometers with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria.
Moreover, since joining the European Communities in 1973, Denmark has secured various "opt-outs" that permit the country to not comply with certain European laws. This provides Denmark more autonomy than other EU countries.
The German Dilemma: Leadership or Deterrence?
In addition, Denmark benefits from its northern location: Refugees usually have to pass through Germany to reach the country. Danish deterring policies might have caused more migrants to stay in Germany.
One can criticize Danish migration policy as inhumane. A policy modeled after Denmark would have massive implications if a large country like the Federal Republic implemented it. Even the "German leadership" praised by Frederiksen would likely cease to exist then.
Politics After the Berlin Ruling: Increasing Pressure on Germany's Migration Policy Migration expert Raphael Bossong discusses the dilemma of the federal government in an interview with ntv.de: "On the one hand, Germany wants to escalate tensions on border controls. On the other hand, Germany has long relied on tightening EU law and getting more states to fulfill their obligations. This implies, in turn, that Germany must also comply with them. That's the catch-22 the federal government faces."
Merz did not highlight this catch-22 at the appearance with Frederiksen. Instead, he supported the joint initiative of Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands for asylum procedures in third countries. He even commended the previous federal government for taking steps in the right direction: "The numbers [of asylum seekers and refugees] are decreasing, but we are still a long way from our goal."
- Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, praises German Chancellor Merz for his efforts in embracing Denmark's migration policy, stating, "The early bird gets the worm," suggesting a delight to witness German leadership working towards a stronger Europe.
- Despite Merz's appreciation for Denmark's migration policy, he recognizes that a policy modeled after Denmark would have significant implications if a large country like the Federal Republic implemented it, potentially leading to criticism for inhumanity and the ceasing of German leadership.
