A Bird of a Feather Flocks Together: Merz and Frederiksen Agree on Tough Migration Policies
Unveiling Sneak Peek: Model Acquisition Proves Tricky for Pioneer
By Hubertus Volmer \Facebook \Twitter \Whatsapp \Email \Print \Copy Link \Chancellor Merz praises Denmark's "tough" Migration Policy. Ever since, he has been singing its praises. During Prime Minister Frederiksen's visit, he even acknowledges that the German situation is more complicated.
Mette Frederiksen, the favored Social Democrat by Germany's conservatives, was once held in high regard by Friedrich Merz, then the Chancellor candidate, for her handling of Russia at the Munich Security Conference. Fast forward, and Merz undoubtedly appreciates Frederiksen's approach to migration policy. In the past, Merz urged the former Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, to invite Frederiksen to Berlin, noting her successful migration policy. Indeed, Denmark's asylum numbers have remained low for years, despite an influx of Ukrainian refugees due to the conflict with Russia.
Politics Chancellor: Government is United; Merz Rejects SPD's "Manifesto" Demands on Russia It's no surprise that Merz invited Frederiksen to Berlin this time around - though she was there in January, alongside Scholz. Besides discussions on Trump's claim to Greenland, the threat posed by Russia, and the Russian fleet in the Baltic Sea, migration was also on the agenda this time.
At the joint press conference in the Chancellery, Merz stated that "Denmark has been a role model for us in migration policy for a long time." By "us," he likely refers to his party, the CDU. "We are also working together towards new and stricter asylum rules in the European Union." Merz and Frederiksen seem to see eye to eye, she said, particularly on the issue of protecting Europe from Russia.
Frederiksen reciprocated with a compliment, quoting the classic proverb, "The early bird catches the worm." She then said to Merz in English, "You are an early bird for Europe." She welcomes the "German leadership" with the goal of a stronger Europe, "that's what's needed."
Politics Many Well-Educated Migrants Consider Emigrating Migration policy was the second topic of discussion. Frederiksen pointed out concerns raised by citizens across European countries, including Germany and Denmark, for years. She looks forward to working with the new German Chancellor to find solutions that reduce the number of arrivals in Europe and ensure "effective returns." In her view, maintaining social cohesion depends on not accepting everyone who wants to come to Europe.
A Model of Toughness and Symbolism
Danish asylum policy, often characterized by a mix of firmness and symbolic measures, served as a role model for Merz. Refugee accommodations in Denmark are called "departure centers," even if migrants have to live there for years. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture likened the conditions at Ellebæk departure center to prison conditions in countries like Russia. In 2019, the committee criticized the center for making it clear to refugees that "You are unwanted. Accept that you have no future in this country."
Difficulties in Translation
Though Denmark's migration policies offer valuable insights, they are not easily transferable to Germany due to legal, practical, and geographical reasons. Merz did not deny this during the press conference, opting not to commit to fully adopting Denmark's migration policy. Instead, he reiterated that Germany faces a more complicated situation, given its long and porous borders.
Politics Europe's Toughest Asylum Policy; How Denmark has Reduced its Refugee Numbers One key difference between Denmark and Germany is their border situation: Denmark has a land border of just 70 kilometers with Germany, compared to Germany's longer, more challenging border spanning hundreds of miles. Moreover, Denmark has acquired various "opt-outs" that allow it to bypass certain EU laws, providing it with more flexibility than other EU countries. Lastly, Denmark has a geographical advantage as migrants must typically pass through Germany to reach the country, making Danish deterrence policy potentially influential in keeping migrants in Germany.
In practice, Denmark's migration policy may lack long-term sustainability and have adverse effects on refugee integration and family reunification. For instance, Denmark requires foreign spouses to be at least 24 years old and have stronger ties to Denmark, leading to criticism of the policy's potential impact on marriage stability and family unity.
In light of these challenges, Merz and Frederiksen agree that changes in European migration policies are needed. However, as Migration expert Raphael Bossong points out, the German government faces a difficult dilemma in attempting to pressurize neighboring countries while adhering to EU law. Embracing tougher Danish-style asylum policies could prove detrimental in maintaining Germany's regional and EU commitments.
Source: ntv.de
- Denmark
- Friedrich Merz
- Federal Chancellery
- Migration
- Immigration
- Asylum policy
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The discussion between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlights a mutual interest in stricter migration policies, particularly in the context of asylum rules. Here are the key points and differences that can be inferred from current policies and discussions:
Key Points and Differences
1. Current Policies and Intentions
- Denmark: Denmark has been a pioneer in implementing stricter migration policies, including family reunification laws that require foreign spouses to be at least 24 years old and have stronger ties to Denmark[1]. Denmark's approach has been noted for its emphasis on reducing asylum claims and tightening family reunification rules[2].
- Germany: Germany is looking to follow Denmark's model by tightening its migration policy, particularly in the asylum system. This move is part of a broader effort to address migration challenges across Europe[2][3].
2. Asylum Rules
- Denmark: Denmark has been pushing for stricter asylum rules, which have been successful in reducing asylum claims. This includes measures like limiting integration support and increasing the threshold for asylum eligibility[2].
- Germany: Germany aims to implement similar stricter asylum rules, aligning with Denmark and other European countries that seek to reform the existing asylum system[2][3].
3. European Context
- Denmark & Germany: Both countries are part of a broader European movement calling for changes in migration laws. Nine EU countries, including Denmark, are advocating for a legal overhaul to address what they perceive as outdated protections for migrants[4]. Germany's alignment with Denmark suggests a shared goal of influencing European migration policies more broadly[3].
4. Impact on Refugees and Migrants
- Denmark: Denmark's policies have been criticized for affecting migrant integration and family reunification, especially with the age requirement for spouses[1].
- Germany: Germany's planned tightening of policies might similarly impact refugees and migrants, particularly Ukrainians, by potentially limited asylum opportunities and changing the overall asylum landscape[2].
In summary, while both countries are pushing for stricter migration policies, Denmark's existing framework serves as a model for Germany. The discussions between Merz and Frederiksen reflect a shared interest in influencing European migration policies to align with national sovereignty goals.
- Denmark's stricter migration policies, such as the focus on limiting asylum claims and tightening family reunification rules, are seen as a model by Friedrich Merz, the former Chancellor candidate in Germany.
- Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, and Merz agree on the need for changes to European migration policies, acknowledging the importance of protecting Europe from migration and maintaining social cohesion by not accepting everyone who wants to come to Europe.
