There will be money from the European Union for walls
Despite the opposition of some countries, on Friday, February 11, European aid to build these Trump-era-like fences and wall was approved at the summit held in Brussels on migration policy.
European debate
Shortly before the beginning of this special council of the European Union on migration policy held in Brussels, Nehammer assured that Europe is in an acute crisis and that, therefore, clear and rapid measures must be taken.
A need, not a want
The Austrian chancellor told the German newspaper Bild: “The protection of the EU’s external borders is a necessity, not a whim.”
Europe must be protected
The politician also said in relation to the free space for travel within Europe: “If Europe cannot protect its borders, then the Schengen area will lead to absurdity.”
Borders that are too easy to cross?
He added: “It is unacceptable that migrants who cross safe third countries also cross the external borders of the EU without obstacles.”
Empty phrases
The Austrian leader insisted: “Empty phrases will not suffice.” For Nehammer it is clear that immigration is a threat and a problem that only has one solution: walls and fences.
No to a fortified Europe
Opposite to the Austrian leader’s position, there are other leaders who refuse to turn the European Union’s immigration policy into a factory for erecting fences and walls.
Making Europe a fortress is not the answer
“Do we want to turn Europe into a fortress?” asked Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, according to Reuters.
People move to Europe out of necessity
“People move because in their countries there is not a future, there is no peace, there is no stability,” said Josep Borell, Vice-President of the European Commission.
An open debate
The debate in Europe is very intense around the dilemma of the waves of migration and refugees that are arriving.
Asylum applications on the rise
As stated in a Deutsche Welle article: “In 2022, there was a dramatic increase in the number of asylum applications in the EU. There were 924,000, according to the European Commission, compared to 630,000 in 2021.”