The Story Hard borders, harder politics: Europe's migration crisis
Aug 27, 2025
Oliver Moody, the Berlin correspondent for The Times, dives into the complex landscape of European migration policies. He compares the hardline shifts in the UK to earlier, more welcoming attitudes during the 2015 crisis. The discussion highlights the contrasting approaches of Denmark and Sweden, showcasing Denmark's strict measures versus Sweden's initial openness and recent turn towards restrictions. Moody also explores how these European experiences offer lessons for the UK in tackling its own migration challenges, all while grappling with the effects on society and human rights.
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2015 Shift Made Migration Political
- Migration became a defining political issue across Europe after 2015, beyond the UK-specific 'small boats' problem.
- Germany shifted from welcoming refugees to prioritising ending illegal immigration as a central election issue.
Merkel's 2015 Welcome And Backlash
- Angela Merkel's 2015 decision to admit over a million refugees was initially very popular in Germany.
- By 2018 public mood had soured and support for the AfD radical right surged.
Nordic Countries Took Divergent Paths
- Sweden and Denmark started similarly in 2015 but diverged sharply in policy and outcomes.
- Denmark adopted early hardline measures while Sweden initially stayed open and accepted many asylum seekers per capita.