From summer solidarity to winter xenophobia, this examines shifting EU refugee policies and rising discrimination.
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The article contrasts a period of solidarity towards refugees, particularly following arrivals on Lesbos ten years ago, with the prevailing sentiment of xenophobia across Europe today. Initially, there were spontaneous acts of kindness from locals and volunteers. However, this shifted as European border crossings closed, leading to increased state repression and racism. The initial wave of humanitarian spirit gave way to a “heavy winter of xenophobia.” Policy changes, such as the Euro-Turkish agreement in 2016, institutionalized externalization of asylum procedures, trapping refugees. While solidarity networks were crucial during the initial phase, they are now overshadowed by emotional detachment and overt racist behaviors. This trend is mirrored across Europe, with extreme anti-refugee policies seen in Italy under Matteo Salvini and later adopted by some Greek governments. Furthermore, the dismantling of humanitarian protection has led to increased deportations. Current trends show record asylum applications in France, highlighting ongoing difficulties refugees face regarding employment, administrative processes, and discrimination. The article concludes by criticizing official rhetoric from EU leaders who have moved away from earlier statements supporting migration, instead embracing hardline security agendas, and points to controversial funding mechanisms used by the EU to manage external borders, including proposals for offshore detention centers in Africa.
