Migration’s Return as an Important Topic in the 2024 European Elections

Opinion of public on migration mainly impacts voting manner, with the current beliefs showing friction to change even in the pre-election debates. While migration right now may not seem as critical thing, but it keeps shaping voter point of view of party platforms and the positioning of parties after the June elections.

To reduce the influx of migrants via the Mediterranean Sea and western Africa, the European Union has strategically invested in agreements with various countries. This initiative began with Turkey during the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015 and 2016. In 2023, the EU made a deal with Tunisia, after that an agreements with Mauritania and lastly Egypt in 2024. These collaborations focuses on enhancing border control and battle human trafficking by partnering with all these countries.

In previous years, an evident shift can be observed in the debate surrounding migration. Anti-immigration rhetoric, once primarily the domain of extreme-right parties, has now been accepted by primary center-right parties. These parties have accepted harder situation on immigration to hook discontented voters.

A main example is the center-right European People’s Party (EPP), whose pre-election idea seeks to evict asylum seekers to "safe" third countries, reflecting "stop the boats" campaign of the existing UK government.

Conclusion

The efficacy of these plans in diminishing voter concerns and forming an equal and effective immigration policy can be observed. The current debate on immigration showcases the tough balance in middle of security, humanitarian aid, and carrying on the EU’s image as a projection of freedom and human rights.