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“Rising Anti-Immigration Sentiment in Europe Threatens Schengen Unity”

The rising anti-immigration sentiment across European Union capitals is putting significant pressure on the bloc's unity. Countries like Germany and France are taking steps that could jeopardize the Schengen zone, which allows for passport-free travel across many EU nations. In 2015, during a time when over 1.3 million individuals, primarily fleeing the devastating conflict in Syria, sought refuge in Europe, then- famously declared, “Wir schaffen das” (“We can manage this”) and opened Germany's borders to these migrants. Fast forward to today, and the situation has dramatically shifted. With irregular migration flows now less than 10% of what they were at the height of the migration crisis, EU leaders are increasingly adopting a stance of rejection. The prevailing sentiment has shifted from “We can manage this” to “No, we can’t” or, more accurately, “We won’t.” This change in attitude reflects a broader trend across the EU, as member states grapple with the complexities of immigration and border control, raising concerns about the future of open borders within the region.
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Question 1: What significant event in 2015 influenced the EU's approach to immigration?

In 2015, over 1.3 million people, primarily fleeing the war in Syria, arrived in Europe. Germany's then-chancellor, Angela Merkel, responded by opening the country's borders and famously stating, “Wir schaffen das” (“We can manage this”).

Question 2: How has the attitude towards immigration changed in EU capitals since 2015?

Less than a decade after Merkel's open-border policy, EU capitals are now increasingly adopting an anti-immigration stance, with many leaders expressing a rejection of open borders and stating, “No, we can’t” or “We won’t” in response to irregular arrivals.

Question 3: What impact could the current anti-immigration mood have on the Schengen zone?

The growing rejection of open borders and the implementation of measures like border checks in countries such as Germany and France could threaten the unity and functioning of the Schengen zone, which allows for passport-free travel across many EU countries.

Question 4: What is the current state of irregular arrivals compared to the peak of the migration crisis?

The current flow of irregular arrivals is less than 10% of what it was at the peak of the migration crisis in 2015, yet it has still prompted a significant shift in policy and public sentiment across EU capitals.