Denmark's Immigration minister Rasmus Stoklund: European asylum system is broken | DW News

Key Concepts

• Migration Policy Turnaround: A shift towards stricter regulations and enforcement in managing migration.
• Social Cohesion and Trust: The degree to which members of a society feel connected and can rely on each other, which the Danish minister believes is threatened by certain types of migration.
• Welfare State: A system where the government provides a range of social services and benefits to its citizens, funded by taxation.
• Remigration/Repatriation: The process of returning asylum seekers and migrants to their countries of origin.
• Third World Aid: Providing assistance and support to people in developing countries, closer to conflict zones, rather than in Europe.
• Safe Third Countries/Countries of Origin: Nations designated as safe for asylum procedures or for the return of rejected asylum seekers.
• Asylum Procedures at Borders/Outside Denmark: Proposals to process asylum claims at the external borders of the EU or in designated centers outside of Denmark.
• Human Smugglers: Individuals or groups who facilitate illegal border crossings for payment.
• Social Democratic Position: The minister argues that strict migration policies are consistent with social democratic values, particularly in preserving the welfare state.

Denmark's Strict Migration Policy: A Social Democratic Approach

The Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration, Arasmos Stockland, met with his German counterpart, Alexander Dorren, to discuss migration policies. Minister Stockland highlighted that Denmark has implemented strict migration policies for over a decade, a strategy he believes is crucial for maintaining social cohesion and the welfare state. He noted that Germany's recent policy shift towards stricter measures sends an important signal to potential migrants and human smugglers, indicating that entry into Europe is no longer easy and that non-compliance with regulations will have consequences.

Core Tenets of Denmark's Migration Strategy

Minister Stockland elaborated on Denmark's approach, emphasizing several key elements:

• Deterrence and Control: The primary aim is to deter migrants from coming to Denmark by making it difficult to gain access to live in the country. This is achieved through a combination of measures designed to reduce the number of successful asylum applications and limit the attractiveness of Denmark as a destination.
• Strengthened Regulations: Denmark has significantly tightened its regulations over the years. Specific examples include making family reunification more difficult, requiring individuals to be self-sufficient, and lowering welfare benefits.
• Maintaining Social Cohesion: A central argument for Denmark's strict policy is the preservation of social cohesion and trust. The minister stated that accepting migration from countries where a significant number of people end up unemployed or involved in criminal activities could undermine the societal fabric.
• Preserving the Welfare State: As a social democrat, Stockland argued that the Danish welfare state, which relies on high tax contributions from a working population, can only be sustained if migrants contribute positively to society, primarily through employment. He stressed that the welfare system, hospitals, and schools are funded by taxes, and citizens expect a society free from excessive criminality or instability.
• Integration and Norms: Denmark expects new arrivals to contribute by working and to respect societal norms, including gender equality and the limited role of religious norms in public life.

Reforming the European Asylum System

Minister Stockland articulated Denmark's broader vision for a reformed European asylum system, which he believes is currently "broken."

• Critique of the Current System: He criticized the existing system for being controlled by human smugglers who profit from migrants' resources, determining who gains access to Europe.
• Proposed Solution: Aid in Third Countries: Denmark advocates for a new system that would allow for helping more people, but by providing assistance in third countries closer to conflict zones rather than in Europe. This approach aims to help a larger number of people in need, rather than a smaller, more privileged group in the West.
• Asylum Procedures Outside Denmark: Denmark has explored establishing asylum procedures outside its borders. The concept involves creating reception centers in collaboration with other EU member states, potentially in "safe third countries." Asylum seekers arriving in Denmark would be sent to these centers for case processing. If granted asylum, they would live in the host country; if rejected, they would be returned to their home countries. This aims to prevent rejected asylum seekers from remaining in Europe.

Remigration and Political Context

The minister addressed the concept of "remigration" and its perception in Germany.

• Social Democratic Justification for Remigration: Stockland defended remigration as a social democratic policy, arguing it is necessary to protect the welfare state and societal stability. He stated that it is "right and fair" to expect individuals to be self-sufficient and contribute positively, and to uphold Danish societal values.
• Addressing Far-Right Perceptions: He acknowledged that in Germany, such policies might be perceived as far-right, but insisted that for Denmark, it is a pragmatic approach to preserve its social model. He stated that his position is not altered by opinion polls or the rise of right-wing parties.
• Impact on Right-Wing Parties: When asked if tough migration policies help keep right-wing parties in check, Stockland declined to act as a political commentator, focusing instead on implementing policies he believes are right for Denmark.

Collaboration with Germany

Minister Stockland expressed satisfaction with the productive conversations with his German counterpart, Alexander Dorren. He noted that both countries see eye-to-eye on many aspects of migration control and maintaining social cohesion. He views Germany as an important partner in their work within the European Union.

Conclusion

Denmark's approach to migration, as articulated by Minister Stockland, is characterized by a long-standing commitment to strict regulations aimed at deterring irregular migration, preserving social cohesion, and safeguarding its welfare state. This strategy is framed as a social democratic necessity, focused on self-sufficiency, contribution, and the upholding of societal norms. Denmark also champions a broader reform of the European asylum system, advocating for aid in third countries and processing asylum claims outside of Europe to manage migration more effectively and humanely. The minister emphasized a strong partnership with Germany in these efforts.