Europe’s Shift: From Tolerance to Tougher Immigration Policies

With shifting dynamics in European politics, leaders are increasingly embracing hardline stances on migration, moving away from previous tolerance and resulting in profound policy changes.

When Nicola Procaccini first joined the European Parliament six years ago, he felt isolated, shunned by colleagues who viewed his far-right Italian party, Brothers of Italy, as a fringe group with extreme views on immigration. He recalls, “My hand would hang midair because they don’t shake hands with fascists.” However, the political landscape has dramatically shifted under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister. Mainstream politicians are now incorporating his party's tough stances on immigration into their own platforms.

Across the European Union, there is now a concerning consensus among leaders—both centrist and conservative—pushing for stricter measures against undocumented migrants. While the tumult seen during President Trump’s immigration policies in the United States has not carried over to Europe, the shift toward rigid immigration control is alarming.

Countries like Denmark have enacted stringent policies aimed at zero asylum seekers, serving as examples for others. Additionally, EU officials are pursuing strategies to transfer asylum seekers to third-party nations and have engaged in agreements to bolster border security outside of EU territory, notably in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite a rise in irregular border crossings post-pandemic, recent data indicate a decrease in illegal immigration, prompting further discussions on how to manage this ongoing issue. A hardened approach to migration across the political spectrum highlights a fundamental change in Europe's values, raising questions about the future of human rights and compassionate immigration policies within the region.