'Fortress Europe' is a pitiful illusion; migration will always occur

The notion of 'Fortress Europe' is a "pitiful illusion" and an "inhumane" policy that ignores the fundamental reality of human migration, argues commentator Dorthe Schmittroth Madsen. She criticizes the idea that spontaneous asylum applications should be blocked in favor of quota refugees, calling it a "national conservative delusion."

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Fortress Europe is a pitiful illusion.

Madsen contends that migration has always occurred and will continue to do so, making any attempt to define borders solely to restrict human mobility inherently illusory and illiberal. She likens such efforts to the futile attempts of short-sighted leaders throughout history who have tried to contain human movement with walls. The current approach, she suggests, is based on a flawed premise that the welfare state should only serve a select few.

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Migration has always taken place, and it always will, which is good.

Instead of building walls, Madsen advocates for a more humane approach that acknowledges the inevitability of migration. She proposes welcoming migrants and encouraging their self-reliance, asserting that free movement is a human right. Denying this right, she argues, constitutes political oppression and transforms 'Fortress Europe' into a closed society. Furthermore, she points to research suggesting that increased labor migration benefits both migrants and native populations, debunking the populist myth that migrants take jobs.

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Denying people the right to free movement is political oppression.

Madsen concludes that the pursuit of a better life is a powerful human drive that should be honored, not suppressed. She believes that embracing this drive, rather than hindering it, ultimately benefits Europe as well.

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The idea that they come and take our jobs is therefore a populist delusion.