As the political scene in Europe evolves, immigration policies are becoming a hot topic, with many leaders across the European Union adopting tougher stances on undocumented migrants. Just a few years back, such positions were often dismissed. Nicola Procaccini, a member of the European Parliament and a prominent figure in Italy's Brothers of Italy party, recalls a time when he struggled to gain any respect for his hard-line views on immigration. However, the tides have turned, and now mainstream politicians are aligning with tougher immigration reforms.
With Giorgia Meloni as the Prime Minister, the Brothers of Italy party has seen a surge in popularity, pushing conservative approaches to immigration onto the national agenda. Leaders from varying political backgrounds in Europe, both right and left, are beginning to roll back protections for migrants, reflecting a shift toward more stringent policies.
Denmark’s “zero” refugee strategy is becoming a benchmark for other countries, with EU officials working on plans that include deporting asylum seekers to non-EU nations and deploying agents to manage border controls more efficiently. Interestingly, after a spike in irregular border crossings during the pandemic, these numbers are now on a decline. The landscape of immigration in Europe is changing, as leaders address the complexities of migration with increased resolve.