In light of World Refugee Day, Juliane Schmidt takes stock of the EU’s approach to the current refugee crisis and how it’s affecting the Union’s cohesion and image. Unfortunately, until now, the EU and its member states have failed to come up with a common approach to find a solution for the increased number of irregular migrants arriving on its shores.
Besides a political crisis, it is also a crisis of identity, as Europe’s treatment of people in need is at odds with its claim to be a champion of human rights. In this commentary, Schmidt calls for the EU to stop outsourcing the problem to its neighbours, devise a long-term strategy, and address root causes on all levels and by all means, not only involving a political solution to the conflict in the Middle East but also improving early warning systems. What we are witnessing now is only the beginning: migration is a global phenomenon and will only increase in the future. It is time Europe comes to terms with that reality.
Click here to download this Publication
For more information or interview requests, please contact
Rebecca Castermans, Media and Communications Executive
T +32 2 235 0884
M +32 494 91 45 97
