Europe in the Refugee Crisis – What Happened? A Historical Turning Point? Common Border Protection?
Introduction: The Refugee Crisis and Its Impact on Europe
JOSCHKA FISCHER: “I can tell you what happened! Millions of refugees in Syria were sitting hopelessly in camps. The material support from the UN Refugee Agency was cut because some member states had not paid their contributions. The people had no hope left. And so, a refugee flow toward Europe began.”
This refugee movement had been foreseeable for a long time. But suddenly, it turned out that Syria is closer to Europe than many had wanted to admit. The political dimension of the crisis is a central issue: “How will it proceed politically?”
Border Protection and the Political Dimension of the Crisis
FISCHER: “There is no measure that will change the situation in the short term – unless, like Viktor Orbán in Hungary, you build fences and close borders.”
But what happens if individual countries like Germany close their borders? Will the rest of Europe follow suit? A solution is difficult: “I think it would be highly dangerous. It would ultimately lead to more refugees and more misery.”
Merkel and the Humanitarian Decision
FISCHER: “Merkel and Faymann did not invite the refugees, they were already there. In Budapest, a humanitarian disaster was looming. What should have been done? Should the police have been sent in?”
The decision to help the refugees was a humanitarian emergency decision, which many considered the right one. But what comes next?
Consistent Refugee Policy and the Path to a Solution
FISCHER: “The Dublin Agreement was based on very convenient lies for us in Central Europe.” A common border protection for the EU is essential, as well as a distribution key for refugees and a legal framework for immigration.
The Need for a Diplomatic Solution in the Syrian Conflict
FISCHER: “With Assad, a peaceful solution is very, very difficult. It’s not just about Assad, it’s also about the Alawites. In a civil war, we will always have to find a solution where both sides see a future.”
The geopolitical dimension of the conflict, with players like Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, plays a decisive role. A diplomatic solution is the only way to achieve long-term stability.
EU and Putin – A Difficult Interaction
FISCHER: “It can’t be done without the USA. And Europe must become more involved in diplomatic processes.”
The Green Economy and Structural Change in Europe
FISCHER sees the issue of green technologies as a central challenge for Europe. In areas such as mechanical engineering, automobile manufacturing, and energy use, the ecological structural change is crucial. Yet despite the crisis, Europe has not yet been able to implement a sustainable economic policy.
Economic Policy and Europe’s Future
FISCHER: “With the introduction of the euro, the Mediterranean region has largely deindustrialized, while the area north of the Alps has continued to industrialize. A growth-oriented policy for the entire euro area is urgently needed.”
Austerity policy is not the way forward, and the question of ecological growth needs to be brought more into focus.
The VW Emissions Scandal – A Wake-Up Call for Business
FISCHER: “The behavior of those responsible was extremely shortsighted and foolish.” The VW emissions scandal shows the dark side of profit-seeking and raises questions about responsibility in business.
Conclusion: The Challenges for Europe and Refugee Policy
The refugee crisis has tested Europe. It is becoming clear that a common European refugee policy, effective border protection, and a long-term diplomatic solution for conflicts in the Middle East are necessary to avoid future crises.
