Image: the drama of the refugees in the Mediterranean - a challenge for Europe
The drama of the refugees in the Mediterranean;



The EU always emphasizes the common European values of the Enlightenment, such as human dignity, human rights and democracy.


Nowhere else is there a better opportunity for the European Union to openly demonstrate the importance of these values than with the way in which it handles immigration, especially the refugees escaping wars and persecution in the Middle East and Africa, as well as with the free movement of its own citizens within the EU. 


Member countries do not agree on immigration policies at all, because of the different point of departure, interests and experiences made during the past decades.


Numerous social and economic issues are involved, e.g. concerning integration, unemployment, the misuse of social security and the encumbrance of infrastructure in the countries of immigration, but also with respect to the loss of many skilled people in the countries of emigration (in and outside Europe), which weakens their much needed economic and social development.  

1. Refugees and Asylum


What kind of policy should the EU pursue in your opinion regarding refugees and asylum? You are invited to vote for your European refugee policy (question 6 of the questionnaire): 


1. EU: My country shall join an integrated EU refugee policy, which includes, in particular,  compulsory quota for the allocation of refugees to member states and the protection of the external borders by the EU.


The number of refugees arriving in Europe shall be reduced with measures in the countries of origin and transit (Turkey, Libya) and controlled admission centers in the EU.


2. National authority: My country shall itself exercise control of its borders and decide on its immigration, e.g. by defining annually, according to the Australian point system, the kind and numbers of immigrants it wishes to receive and by sending back undesired refugees to their place of origin.

3. Referendum: My country shall participate at a common European refugee policy by referendum, e.g. on a bilateral treaty, which will define its contributions regarding the number of refugees, border controls, measures in the countries of origin and transit, etc..

4. Refugees welcome: I am asking for a Europe open to all refugees. 

2. The Free Movement of Persons in the EU


How, in your opinion, should the EU deal with the free movement of persons? You are invited to choose one of the following positions (question 7 of the questionnaire):


Position ofBrussels”: The free movement of persons within the EU must not be touched because it is an social services by immigrants may be strengthened. 


Position of EU-opponents (e.g. UKIP, Front National, AfD): Each country shall itself determine its immigration policy and therefore also the immigration of citizens from other EU countries.