Europe Embraces Tougher Stance on Immigration

As immigration takes center stage in Europe, mainstream politicians are turning to tougher policies, influenced by right-wing parties. Countries like Denmark are setting precedents for stringent refugee policies while new EU regulations seek to facilitate deportations, reflecting a significant political shift.

When Nicola Procaccini was elected to the European Parliament six years ago, he found himself ostracized by peers who avoided him, viewing his affiliation with a fringe right-wing party as unacceptable. Today, however, attitudes have shifted dramatically in the European Union, with more mainstream politicians beginning to adopt hard-line stances similar to Procaccini’s party, Brothers of Italy, which now enjoys significant popularity under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

This evolution in the political landscape reflects a broader trend across Europe, as leaders from both right and left are increasingly advocating for a tougher approach to immigration. Unlike the polarizing effects of former President Trump’s policies in the United States, Europe’s shift has emerged quietly yet profoundly, with centrists aligning themselves with staunch conservatives.

Denmark’s drastic “zero” refugee policy is being cited as a model for other nations within the EU. Concurrently, European Union officials are pushing for stricter rules that would facilitate the expulsion of asylum seekers to third countries, indicating a realm of policy integration that aims to curb irregular migration. Recurring headlines about the EU striking deals to place border agents in non-member countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlight an urgent clampdown on immigration.

Despite an uptick in irregular crossings post-pandemic, the number of undocumented migrants entering the EU has decreased recently, a trend that some attribute to the tightening of policies across member states. The political climate suggests a long-term strategy that facilitates deportation while minimizing protections for asylum seekers, indicating a profound, collective shift in how Europe views immigration moving forward.