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The Inside Story Podcast

Why are more governments in Europe cracking down on migration?

Feb 27, 2025
Zoe Gardner, an independent migration policy researcher focused on rights-based approaches, joins Meghan Benton, Director at the Migration Policy Institute, to examine Europe’s shifting stance on migration. They discuss rising anti-immigration sentiments in recent elections and the financial motivations behind these narratives. The guest experts highlight the uneven treatment of different refugee groups, such as Ukrainians versus others, and critique the EU’s policies, advocating for more compassionate approaches to migration amidst ongoing crises.
24:52

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Anti-immigration sentiment is increasingly dominating European politics, altering voter motivations and impacting election outcomes significantly in recent elections.
  • Economic dissatisfaction fosters scapegoating of immigrants, linking wealth inequality and public service strains to broader societal issues rather than systemic problems.

Deep dives

The Rise of Anti-Immigration Sentiment

Anti-immigration sentiment is increasingly becoming a dominant force in European politics, influencing voter motivations and election outcomes. Recent elections in countries such as Germany and France have shown that discussions surrounding immigration significantly impact public opinion and party performance. The European Union is struggling to unify its migration policies, as various member states grapple with differing perspectives on handling asylum seekers and immigrants. This situation highlights the challenge of creating a cohesive approach to migration amid rising populism and the growing influence of far-right parties.

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