Germany’s responsibility in the world
European Security & Defence 2015
9
Migration is putting us to the test – how can we respond with solidarity and human dignity? (BSC/Minister of State Michael Roth MP*) In recent months,
developments in our immediate neighbourhood. Yet we can-
thousands of refugees have sought refuge from war, terror
not resolve the crises in the refugees’ home countries – such
and persecution in Europe. According to current estimates,
as civil wars, failing states, terrorism or poverty – with patrol
this year at least 800,000 people will come to Germany. In
boats in the Mediterranean or fences at the EU’s external
comparison: Germany’s fifth largest city, Frankfurt am Main,
borders. We have to combat the causes of flight and migration
has slightly over 700,000 inhabitants. How to deal with the
and not the refugees! To do so we need concrete responses
refugee crisis is posing a huge challenge to Germany, some
on how we can improve living conditions in the countries of
are even talking of the challenge of a generation. The Federa-
origin in a sustainable manner. All areas of policy have to be
tion, Länder and municipalities as well as millions of full‑time
included in this – from foreign and security policy to trade
and voluntary helpers
to humanitarian
are currently doing
assistance and de-
everything possible
velopment policy. In
to provide emergency assistance to people in need. Above all, however,
this way, we want to
“Germany is prepared to forge ahead and to shoulder responsibility, but in the long run we will not be able to do so alone.”
create the conditions for people to be able to live in security in
the current flows of
their countries of
refugees are posing
origin and to enable
a tough test for unity,
refugees and dis-
capability to act and solidarity within the European Union. The
placed persons to return home.
German Government’s stance on this matter is clear: Europe
Fourthly, at present only five out of 28 member states, inclu-
cannot put this off any longer, the EU must act now. We must
ding Germany, take in around 80 per cent of the asylum‑see-
therefore pursue a European asylum, refugee and migration
kers and refugees. That is not our idea of European solidarity
policy that is founded on the principle of solidarity and our
in action. The Dublin System is no longer sustainable. Germa-
shared values of humanity.
ny is prepared to forge ahead and to shoulder responsibility,
For it is clear that how we want to deal with migration is not
but in the long run we will not be able to do so alone. What
an Italian, Greek or Hungarian problem. The current crisis
we need now is a joint effort from all member states. Germany
is a problem for all of Europe, one which we must find joint
therefore supports the EU Commission’s proposal for binding
responses to. In concrete terms, the EU is facing four tasks:
standards and quotas within the EU to be agreed, commen-
Firstly, thousands of refugees have set out for Europe in
surate with the size, economic strength and ability to take
search of a better life – and during their journey met a tragic
people in of the individual EU countries. Every member state
death in the Mediterranean Sea. Saving human lives must be
has a responsibility here.
the highest priority for all of us. Seeing people drown off our
We know that some of our partner countries are currently
coasts – before our eyes – is unacceptable and flies in the
sceptical about this new path. But we are prepared to be
face of our fundamental values. Two German naval ships have
perseverant in convincing others that it is the right approach.
been active since May 2015 and in recent weeks have saved
In many talks, we are encouraging our partners and pointing
over 7,200 people in distress at sea.
out the many examples of successful integration in Germany.
Secondly, the unscrupulous people smuggling gangs
We must never forget that the EU is committed to its values,
cannot be allowed to continue implementing their cynical
but is also multicultural, multi‑ethnic and multi‑religious. Thus
business model with impunity. With the anti‑smuggling mission
we should not see immigration as a burden but much more as
EUNAVFOR Med, the EU is making it clear that it is not turning
an opportunity and enrichment for our societies.
a blind eye to illegal activity in the Mediterranean. The anti‑piracy mission Atalanta has shown that a maritime operation can serve as an effective deterrence to criminal activity. Thirdly, the current influx of refugees is the result of dramatic
*Michael Roth MP, Minister of State for Europe, Federal Foreign Office, Federal Republic of Germany, and Member of the Advisory Board BSC 2015
