Münster – ESI at debate on EU migration policy

Gerald Knaus with Helge Lindh, Christoph Strässer and Svenja Schulze. Photo: Jana Windoffer

ESI’s Gerald Knaus was invited to participate in a debate on “Refugee policy in Europe: On the future, borders and possibilities” organised by the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze.

In his presentation, Gerald argued that a paradigm shift is needed in Germany’s migration policy. Due to the increasing asylum applications and irregular Mediterranean crossings, action must be taken. Gerald highlighted that three steps are necessary to ease the burden on German communities: Support for Ukraine, genuine European solidarity in the reception of Ukrainian refugees and the reduction of irregular migration and asylum applications in Germany.

Photo: Jana Windoffer

The other discussants were Helge Lindh, rapporteur of the SPD parliamentary group for refugee and asylum law and Christoph Strässer, Former Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid.

While in Münster, Gerald also met with Ruprecht Polenz, former Christian-Democratic MP of the German Bundestag, to exchange ideas on Europe, humane control and borders.

Gerald Knaus with Ruprecht Polenz. Photo: ESI

• ESI proposal: Safe Third Country Agreements
• ESI proposal: Humane Borders
• RND, „Die bisherigen Vorschläge reichen nicht“ ("The proposals to date are not enough"), Guest article by Gerald Knaus, 4 November 2023
• Süddeutsche Zeitung, Mehr Regeln, mehr Humanität (More rules, more humanity), Op-ed by Gerald Knaus, 2 October 2023