The day they appeared he could hardly believe his eyes. Small boat after small boat bearing in from the Turkish side. I have so many memories that are coming back to me now, says Paris Laoumis, a hotelier on the Greek island of Lesbos, recalling the chaotic arrival of refugees in August 2015. This historical moment saw over a million refugees arriving in Europe, driven by conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The narrative quickly shifted from hospitality, prominently captured in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's proclamation, 'Wir schaffen das' (We can do it), to a tightening of borders and increasing hostility towards migrants. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government has enforced some of the strictest migration policies, while Sweden witnesses rising support for far-right parties, reflecting a significant cultural shift. With current challenges, the article explores whether Europe can effectively balance essential humanitarian responsibilities against public safety concerns, especially as the causes of migration endure.
From 'We Can Do It' to Fortress Europe: Analyzing the Shift in Migration Policies
From 'We Can Do It' to Fortress Europe: Analyzing the Shift in Migration Policies
As Europe struggles with evolving migrant crises, we explore the drastic changes from Merkel's welcoming message in 2015 to the rising hostility against refugees today.
The article revisits the dramatic shift in Europe's approach to migration from the historic influx of refugees in 2015 to the growing resistance against asylum seekers in recent years. Highlighting personal stories, government policies, and the evolving political landscape, it discusses the ongoing humanitarian crises and the complexities of migration amidst rising far-right sentiments.
