Following a notable decline in asylum application figures, German political factions are engaging in discussions regarding the future of European asylum policy and its implications for Germany. While acknowledging the progress made, differing opinions exist on the necessary approach to maintaining this trend and addressing ongoing challenges.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is advocating for a strengthening of the planned EU asylum reform, arguing that a more robust system is crucial to effectively manage migration flows and respond to contemporary crises. Representatives from the CDU emphasize a window of opportunity exists, supported by a majority of EU member states and the European Parliament, to implement a “sustainable migration shift”. Germany, according to CDU officials, intends to be a driving force in this process.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD), while recognizing the positive developments, particularly citing the impact of previous policy initiatives and enhanced border controls in the Balkans and Syria, echoes the need for a more unified European response. SPD representatives underscore the importance of swiftly establishing a Common European Asylum System (GEAS) that both protects borders and upholds humanitarian principles, maintaining the integrity of the Schengen Area. The SPD explicitly avoids calling for “harsher” measures, focusing instead on clarity and collaboration.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) takes a more critical stance, arguing that the current volume of initial asylum applications – approximately 61,000 in the first half of the year – remains excessively high. AfD politicians contend that the figures will likely exceed 100,000 for the year, placing a strain on local communities. Their proposals include fostering a “net emigration” of third-country nationals and actively preventing irregular entry into the EU, potentially through agreements with North African transit states and alternative processing in third countries like Rwanda.
Opposition to a primarily restrictive approach comes from the Left party, who criticize the celebration of border controls as a success, arguing that it leads to breaches of human rights, national isolation and a potential domino effect of escalating border measures, as recently demonstrated by Poland’s announcement of its own border controls.
The populist Basis and Rights Movement (BSW) similarly views the current numbers as unsustainable, suggesting the nation is facing an ongoing demographic challenge and many applicants lack genuine protection needs while still receiving social support. They advocate for a return to asylum application levels seen in the early 2000s.
Finally, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) aligns with the CDU’s perspective, calling for the rapid implementation of the agreed-upon GEAS reform and a reevaluation of areas requiring further adjustment. The FDP emphasizes the need to streamline labor market immigration while simultaneously restricting access to social welfare systems.