Published on April 7, 2025

The Great European Immigration Shift

By Alexandra Peña Jimenez
Graphic designed with Canva Pro / Image credit: Alexandra Peña Jimenez
How Stricter Policies Are Redefining the Continent

Europe used to take pride in its open borders and humanitarian values but that is changing and fast. 

Across the continent, more and more people are calling not just for stricter immigration rules but for migrants to return to their home countries. What was once seen as a marginal idea is now making its way into mainstream politics and it is not just older generations leading the charge.

​In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, initially committed to relatively liberal immigration policies, has introduced new measures to expedite deportations and limit social benefits for asylum seekers, marking a significant policy shift. 

In October 2024, the German parliament approved legislation that withdraws benefits from asylum seekers already registered in other EU countries and slated for deportation. Additionally, refugees who temporarily return to their home countries risk losing their protection status in Germany. Furthermore, in May 2024, a new rule was implemented issuing migrants a benefit card for local use, limiting cash withdrawals and banning international transfers. 

Reflecting this harder stance, Scholz stated in November 2023, "Those who have no right to stay must leave our country. And we must finally deport on a large scale those who are required to leave." The CDU, Germany’s traditional center-right party, has also toughened its stance, calling for stricter border controls and caps on immigration, positions once associated only with the far-right.

This shift is not limited to Germany.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron’s government, facing increasing political pressure from the National Rally, has also shifted rightward on immigration. In December 2023, the French parliament passed one of the most restrictive immigration laws in decades, tightening residency requirements and making it easier to expel undocumented migrants. 

The move, initially opposed by left-wing members of Macron’s coalition, was ultimately pushed through with support from conservative lawmakers, a clear sign of how the debate has moved rightward across the political spectrum.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has positioned herself as one of Europe's most vocal opponents of illegal immigration. Her government has introduced stringent border measures, including agreements with North African countries like Tunisia and Libya, aiming to curb migrant arrivals. These efforts initially led to a significant decrease in irregular arrivals. As of September 25, 2024, there were 47,569 arrivals compared to 133,098 during the same period in 2023, marking a 64% reduction. 

However, recent data indicates a resurgence, with migrant arrivals increasing by nearly 40% this year, challenging the sustainability of these policies. Despite these challenges, public support for Meloni's hardline approach remains strong, reinforcing the broader European trend toward stricter immigration controls.

In recent years, countries traditionally known for their openness to immigration, such as Sweden and the Netherlands, have experienced significant political shifts leading to stricter immigration policies. 

Historically recognized for its generous asylum policies, Sweden has implemented comprehensive measures to reduce asylum applications and expedite deportations. The center-right government, supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, has introduced policies that mark a departure from the country's previous humanitarian stance. 

In 2024, Sweden granted the lowest number of residence permits to asylum seekers and their relatives since records began in 1985, reflecting the government's efforts to tighten immigration. The government has also proposed extending the minimum residence requirement for citizenship from five to eight years and enforcing stricter rules demanding an "honest way of life," including no criminal behavior or unpaid debts.

Similarly, the Netherlands has seen a dramatic shift in its political landscape concerning immigration. In the 2023 general elections, Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) emerged as the largest party, signaling a significant move towards stricter immigration policies. The new Dutch coalition government, led by the PVV, has requested an opt-out from EU asylum rules, advocating for stricter immigration policies.

The European Union’s Struggle to Act

While national governments are implementing tougher immigration measures, the European Union faces increasing pressure to respond effectively. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum, approved in 2023, was intended to create a more efficient asylum system and bolster border security. 

However, critics argue it fails to address core migration issues and remains ineffective in expediting deportations.

One key component of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum involves strengthening agreements with North African countries, such as Tunisia and Libya, to prevent migrant crossings before they reach Europe. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, and relying on third countries for border control remains controversial. 

Additionally, divisions persist within the EU. Countries like Hungary and Poland demand stricter enforcement, while Spain and Portugal advocate for a more humanitarian approach.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended the EU’s position, stating, “We must strike a balance between compassion and control.” However, leaders like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni have voiced frustration, arguing that Brussels is failing to provide adequate support to frontline nations dealing with high migrant inflows.

Public Opinion and Political Shifts

Beyond governmental policies, public frustration over migration has played a key role in shifting Europe's stance on immigration. 

In recent years, growing frustration over migration policies has led to an increase in support for more restrictive measures. A 2024 YouGov survey found that 62% of Europeans now favor stricter immigration controls, up from 45% in 2019. 

Germany and France have seen particularly strong reactions. In Germany, "42% of respondents identified immigration as a top concern, effectively tying it with the economy." In France, "immigration continues to be a significant political issue, influencing policy debates and electoral dynamics."

The growing public push for stricter immigration policies has sparked local resistance in several European countries. In Sweden and the Netherlands, protests against asylum centers have increased, with communities expressing concerns over rising crime, housing shortages and integration issues. 

In France, President Emmanuel Macron’s government faced intense debate over its 2023 immigration law, which imposed stricter residency requirements and made deportation easier. Despite fierce opposition from the left-wing factions of Macron’s coalition, the law passed, making a significant shift toward the normalization of hardline immigration policies within France's mainstream politics.

What Comes Next for Europe?

With stricter immigration policies becoming the norm and public support for tougher measures on the rise, the question remains: How far will European governments go? 

While leaders push for more deportations and stricter asylum regulations, concerns arise about the long-term impact on economic growth and international relations.

Europe is at a pivotal moment. The continent's political landscape is shifting, and the debate over immigration is no longer confined to nationalist movements. It has become a defining issue for governments across the ideological spectrum. 

The real question is whether these policies will bring stability or deepen Europe's political and social divides.

Written by

Alexandra Pena Jimenez

Senior studying PPE at AUP