How to Change Europe’s Approach to Migration and Protect Its Identity
Mass migration from Africa and Asia must be curtailed if Europe wishes to prevent a complete transformation of its identity. The primary justification for mass migration is often the labor shortage. It is argued that there will not be enough young people to maintain the lifestyle of older Europeans at the level they are accustomed to.
However, the assumption that a country’s population must remain stable or constantly grow is not necessarily accurate. European countries include some of the most densely populated states in the world, and it is unclear that further population growth would automatically lead to improved quality of life. Additionally, the idea of the necessity for constant economic growth often serves as a justification for these views, even though it may not reflect the actual needs of society.
Consider the example of Japan, which also faces significant demographic deficits. Despite having an economy larger than any in Europe, Tokyo has prevented mass migration by enacting very restrictive laws that deter newcomers from staying in the country and make it difficult to obtain Japanese citizenship. Clearly, it is possible for modern, highly developed economies to avoid mass migration. No one calls Japan backward or chauvinistic because of this.
To compensate for labor shortages, it may be necessary to consider later retirement ages. While there will always be those who oppose working in their sixties, many might find an extended working life in a familiar social environment more acceptable than living in a society where they feel like strangers.
Short-term solutions such as importing labor from Africa and Asia could lead to new problems in the long term. Migrants will also age over time and will be entitled to pensions and other social rights, creating a need for the importation of new workers in increasing numbers, resulting in a “pyramid scheme” effect. Additionally, as migrants adapt to a higher standard of living, it will require a continuous influx of foreign workers to maintain that standard.
It should also be noted that there are many young and unemployed people in Europe. Many of them do not possess the skills needed for high-value jobs. Why, then, would we import low-skilled labor when there are already many such workers in Europe?
Ultimately, the question arises: how much economic benefit does Europe gain from importing foreign labor? While they perform jobs that Europeans may not want, the numbers do not suggest significant economic benefit.
A study by University College London found that immigrants from outside the European Economic Area working in Britain’s service sector extracted £95 billion more than they paid in taxes between 1995 and 2011. The actual figure is between £114 and £159 billion. Migration has been more beneficial to the migrants themselves, as they can take advantage of public institutions and services that they did not previously fund.
Declining Birth Rates and Migration: What It Means for European Demographics
The sexual revolution of 1968 introduced anti-demographic ideologies – such as gender ideology implemented in the Istanbul Convention – that have led to a decline in population and, consequently, a decrease in the labor force. Without changing the prevailing value system, Europe cannot achieve demographic renewal.
It is worth asking why Europeans do not have enough children to ensure population renewal. Is it because they do not want children? If so, why don’t European states work to create an encouraging environment where people would want to have children? Instead of importing people from culturally different parts of the world, it is necessary to encourage family oriented policies within the existing population.
Already in parts of Europe where a large number of immigrants reside, we see conflicts rooted in ethnic and religious differences. Such environments do not inspire parents to have children. Many will wonder whether this is the environment in which they want their children to grow up.
Polls in Western countries show that concern about migration is at the top of the list of problems troubling Western societies. It is not difficult to conclude that this is one reason why many parents are discouraged from having more children. If they cannot afford to raise their children in the way they want, many do not have as many children as they would like.
Myths About Migration: Reality vs. Perception
One of the driving forces behind mass immigration to Europe is the myth of Europe as a wealthy and tolerant destination that will accept everyone and allow them to achieve their dreams. There is also the widespread perception of Europe’s generous social safety net, which is often seen as more beneficial than working in their home countries. This image needs to change. For a start, Europe should systematically repatriate illegal migrants and reduce the benefits of the social safety net. If migration is driven by the appeal of Europe, ways must be found to make that appeal disappear.
Weak resistance to mass migration is largely conditioned by the historical guilt complex of Europeans. Europeans are expected to continuously apologize for colonialism and other “sins of the past,” but for example, no one demands an apology from Turkey for the Ottoman conquests. If you view your country exclusively through the lens of guilt and past sins, it is difficult to feel any attachment to it or a desire to plant roots, start a family, or have children.
Restoring self-awareness and self-respect is essential for developing more intelligent demographic and migration policies.