The European Union facing the migration challenge: a controversial policy of firmness
In the context of a growing migration crisis in Europe, the leaders of the European Union have adopted a firm policy on immigration. This approach, focused on border control and systematic refusal of reception, however, arouses controversy and raises questions about its effectiveness.
The recent visit of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to Lampedusa, highlighted this firm policy. Accompanied by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, she presented a ten-point plan aimed at managing the massive influx of migrants into Italy. This plan emphasizes in particular the need to strengthen border control and deter departures from North Africa.
This approach is also defended by the French Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, who pleads for a message of firmness towards migrants arriving on European soil. According to him, it is essential not to give the impression that all migrants will be welcomed, whatever the circumstances.
However, several specialists question the effectiveness of this firm policy. They believe that this only worsens the migration problem in Europe. According to them, the current migration crisis is more of a reception crisis than a migration crisis in itself. Inhumane and inefficient reception conditions on cramped border islands like Lampedusa only exacerbate the situation.
These migration specialist researchers particularly highlight the “hotspot effect” of these border islands, where all the problems linked to migration management are concentrated. They highlight the fact that the visibility of the phenomenon is amplified by the promiscuity of migrants in a restricted space. Rather, they plead for a more humane and more effective approach to migration management, based on solidarity and cooperation between the countries of the European Union.
Despite the criticism, the European Union’s firm policy seems to be maintained for the moment. Recent announcements by European leaders indicate a desire to strengthen border control and toughen legislation on illegal immigration. However, it remains to be seen whether this approach will really be effective in resolving the migration crisis and ensuring more humane and sustainable management of migration in Europe.