If the European Union (EU) wants to hold onto its status as a global superpower, it needs to tackle immigration head-on. But it’s not just about tightening borders or opening doors—it’s about walking a tightrope between humanitarian obligations, economic realities, and political pressures. The stakes are high, and the future of the EU could hinge on how it handles this issue. Here’s how the EU must act if it wants to stay in the global big leagues:

1. Unified Immigration Policy: The Patchwork Isn’t Working

• Disjointed Chaos: Right now, the EU’s immigration policies are like a puzzle with missing pieces—each member state is doing its own thing. Italy and Greece are overwhelmed by refugees, while other countries pick and choose who they let in. This patchwork system isn’t sustainable. A fractured approach creates friction among nations, destabilizes the EU, and makes it look weak on the global stage.
• Fix the Dublin Regulation: The Dublin Regulation, which says refugees have to apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter, is broken. It puts all the pressure on frontline countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy. If the EU doesn’t spread the responsibility fairly, resentment will grow, and we could see border countries breaking away from the system. The EU needs a radical overhaul here—or risk falling apart from within.

2. Stop the Flow at the Source: Addressing Why People Migrate

• Economic Despair and Conflict: People don’t just leave their homes for no reason. Wars, poverty, dictatorships—they’re escaping from crises that often have roots in European history or foreign policy. If the EU really wants to manage immigration long-term, it has to engage deeper with countries in Africa and the Middle East. Pumping development aid into those regions, helping to stabilize governments, and creating economic partnerships could curb the surge of migrants at the source.
• Climate Refugees: The Next Big Wave: Climate change is turning fertile land into deserts and coastal cities into flooded zones. The next wave of migration might not be driven by war but by environmental collapse. If the EU doesn’t step up its climate action—both domestically and internationally—it could face an unprecedented crisis with millions more seeking refuge.

3. Immigration as an Economic Lifeline, Not a Burden

• Aging Population Crisis: Europe is getting older, fast. With birth rates in the EU plummeting and the workforce shrinking, who’s going to keep the economy running? Immigrants can fill the labor gaps in critical sectors like healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. But the EU can’t just open the floodgates. It needs to attract the right kind of immigration—skilled and unskilled workers who can jump into the workforce and boost productivity.
• Integrating Immigrants: Not Just Jobs, But Belonging: It’s not enough to give immigrants jobs. If the EU wants to benefit from immigration, it needs to integrate newcomers into society. Language programs, skills training, and pathways to citizenship are key. Without integration, the risk of creating marginalized communities that struggle economically and socially could trigger more division within Europe.

4. Border Security Without Becoming a Fortress

• Tougher, Smarter Border Management: The EU’s external borders are its first line of defense, and while the Schengen Area allows free movement inside, the outside borders need to be tightly controlled. But there’s a fine line between securing borders and turning Europe into an unwelcoming fortress. The EU must invest in better border technologies—like AI-powered surveillance and smart checkpoints—while ensuring human rights are respected.
• Deals with Neighboring Countries: The EU’s current deals with countries like Turkey and Libya—designed to keep migrants from reaching Europe—are controversial. But if managed properly, these partnerships can help reduce migration flows. However, they need to go beyond bribing countries to hold migrants back. The EU has to work on improving conditions for refugees in these transit countries to prevent humanitarian disasters on their doorstep.

5. Tackling Populism and Fear: Changing the Narrative

• The Populist Threat: The rise of far-right populism across Europe has fed off fears of mass immigration. Parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) or Italy’s Lega have surged in popularity by exploiting anxieties over migrants “taking jobs” or “changing culture.” If the EU doesn’t get ahead of this narrative, populist leaders could upend the Union from within. To counter this, the EU must promote a balanced narrative—one that acknowledges legitimate concerns about security and social cohesion while showing the benefits of immigration.
• Debunking Misinformation: Misinformation about immigrants—often spread through social media—fuels xenophobia and division. The EU needs to launch a robust public information campaign to set the record straight, highlighting immigrants’ contributions to society and addressing economic myths that they “steal” jobs or drain welfare systems.

6. Integration and Cohesion: Avoiding a Social Time Bomb

• Investing in Infrastructure and Social Services: As more migrants settle in Europe, the strain on housing, healthcare, and education systems increases. If governments don’t invest in public services, the competition for resources will fuel resentment. The EU needs to boost funding for these services, not just for migrants but for local populations too, ensuring that immigration doesn’t ignite social unrest.
• Encouraging Political Participation: If migrants feel disconnected from their new home countries, tensions will rise. The EU must encourage immigrants to engage in the political process, offering pathways to citizenship, voting rights, and platforms for civic participation. A more inclusive society will lead to stronger social cohesion and prevent isolated migrant communities from becoming breeding grounds for extremism or unrest.

7. Global Leadership on Immigration: A Soft Power Move

• Set the Standard Globally: The EU has a chance to lead by example on how to manage immigration in a humane, effective way. By treating refugees and migrants with dignity, ensuring fair integration policies, and standing up for international law, the EU can bolster its global influence. Becoming a beacon of hope in a world increasingly hostile to immigrants could strengthen Europe’s soft power.
• Attracting Global Talent: Immigration isn’t just about refugees. The EU needs to position itself as an attractive destination for global talent—scientists, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers who can drive innovation and economic growth. Countries like the U.S. and China are fierce competitors for the world’s brightest minds, and the EU can’t afford to fall behind in this race.

8. Protecting Human Rights: The Moral High Ground

• Human Rights at the Core: If the EU wants to keep its global standing, it must stay true to its founding values—respect for human rights, freedom, and democracy. Cracking down on immigration with inhumane measures or turning a blind eye to suffering would erode the EU’s moral authority. Balancing security concerns with compassion is essential for maintaining the EU’s global leadership.
• Legal Pathways for Refugees: Establishing legal, safe routes for refugees would prevent the tragedies of migrants drowning in the Mediterranean or being trapped in horrific conditions at borders. This also reduces the appeal of human smuggling networks, which thrive when legitimate pathways are closed.

Conclusion: Act Now or Fall Behind

The EU is at a crossroads. How it handles immigration over the next decade will determine whether it continues to be a major player on the global stage—or whether it falls into decline. By reforming immigration policies, addressing the root causes of migration, and balancing security with humanity, the EU can turn immigration from a challenge into an opportunity. But the clock is ticking—without decisive action, Europe risks internal fracturing and diminished global influence.