Take stronger action on migration, US defence secretary urges European leaders

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on European leaders to implement more robust measures to combat migration, characterizing the arrival of migrants on the continent as an "invasion."

Speaking at commemorations for the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, Hegseth drew a stark parallel between the historical fight against Nazi occupation and current challenges facing Europe. "Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies. Beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Boats and men arrive. When will European capitals do something about that invasion?" he questioned.

Hegseth's comments reflect a growing concern within the U.S. administration regarding migration. Vice President JD Vance had previously attributed the death of a British student to a "mass invasion of migrants." The Trump administration has also prioritized border security, seeking significant funding increases for related agencies.

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Sadly, today, different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies. Beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Boats and men arrive. When will European capitals do something about that invasion?

However, British officials pushed back against Hegseth's remarks. A spokesperson for Downing Street criticized the comments as an attempt to interfere with the UK's democratic discourse. They pointed out that the family of the victim, Henry Nowak, did not want his death used to exacerbate social divisions. Furthermore, British prosecutors confirmed that the individual convicted in the killing was born in the United Kingdom.

During his address, Hegseth also cautioned European nations against complacency, stating that the freedom secured by World War II sacrifices must be actively preserved by the current generation. "The men who fought and died here restored freedom to Europe. That freedom must be maintained by this generation of leaders and war fighters, or what they fought for was merely temporary," he asserted. These statements are expected to intensify the ongoing debate surrounding migration policies and transatlantic relations as Europe grapples with border security and integration challenges.

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The men who fought and died here restored freedom to Europe. That freedom must be maintained by this generation of leaders and war fighters, or what they fought for was merely temporary.