Jens Spahn, the CDU’s parliamentary group leader, warned on Monday on the ntv programme “Blome & Pfeffer” that the war in Iran could trigger a new refugee crisis. “There must not be a second 2015” he said, and called for a tougher European migration policy.

Spahn stressed that the Iranian conflict underlines how urgent a “migration turnaround” is – not just for Germany but across the EU. He therefore wants an agreement today with safe third countries, so that Europe is ready for any sudden influx of refugees. Drawing on the rapid developments he later witnessed in Syria, he argued that talks with neighbouring states must start now. In particular, he mentioned ongoing discussions with Turkey to secure support in the region.

According to Spahn, preparations of this kind should not wait until refugees have already begun to move; early dialogue with partner countries is essential.