IEP Lunch Debate with Norbert Seitz, Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI): “A European Refugee Policy?”
Ministerial Director Norbert Seitz, head of department M: Migration, Refugees, European Harmonisation of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, on 23 September 2015 talked about “A European refugee policy?” at the Representation of the State of Saxony-Anhalt in Berlin. After a short welcoming speech by Dr. Michael Schneider, State Secretary for Federal and European Affairs, as well as envoy of the state of Saxony-Anhalt to the Federation, the event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Mathias Jopp, director of the Institute for European Politics (IEP).
At a time, where the European debate on a common refugee policy was the focus of interest, the IEP Lunch Debate with Ministerial Director Seitz could not be more appropriately timed. Seitz began his presentation by embedding it in the current political situation. He included the agreement concerning the distribution of 120,000 refugees, as well as, upcoming informal summits on the topic.
He emphasised the possibility to build so called “hotspots” as shelters and first contact points for refugees in Greece and Italy. For him they are a chance to safely house the refugees and distribute them specifically among the European states, as well as unburden the EU states with external borders. Information on a realistic perspective on immigration should be given to the refugees, as one way of handling the serious issue of human trafficking. The European leaders came to the same conclusion at an emergency summit that evening.
Equally important for him is the integration of refugees in their new destination. The crisis regions are unlikely to calm any time soon, so there is a high possibility for the refugees to stay in Europe and a low chance of a decline in numbers in the next months to years according to Seitz. This problem mainly concerns the host countries individually, at least for now. Integration and language courses are a good starting point for him, but not always enough for a successful integration, considering the rather wide range in levels of education the refugees have. Facilitated access to the labour market, if appropriate language skill, is a necessary step for the new arrivals for settling down and be able to make a living.
For this aspect he underlines the benefits of exchanging experiences on a European level and the role model function Germany would be able to occupy, if a successful integration is achieved. One has the chance to still the fears of smaller countries and show them how to handle big flows of refugees.
Following his presentation, an animated discussion unfolded, where Ministerial Director Seitz was able to answer – even emotional questions – objectively and to clarify confusions concerning the newly found quotas. He, again, stressed the centrality of structuring the refugees’ life in camps outside of Europe as well. Like in the new “hotspots” it is imperative to put the refugees in a position to educate themselves, according to Seitz. This requires financial aid, creativity and the willingness to tackle the situation hands on. Cooperation with volunteer networks could be hugely advantageous here.
By: Annemarie Hedderich