Editorial

In the last few months since the refugee crisis became a huge subject in Europe, the question of how to welcome and integrate those who have arrived at the EU’s borders has become increasingly controversial.

Some leaders and analysts have not only presented many of those fleeing persecution as potential Islamic militants, but have also highlighted how their presence would somehow erode European traditions and culture.

Meanwhile, the likes of the UK – which largely contributed to the current crisis by attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of Syria – have decidedly avoided seeking any real solution to the refugee crisis. Rather, British Prime Minister David Cameroon wants the UK to invite refugees directly from Syrian camps, ignoring the thousands upon thousands trekking across the continent.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel almost stands alone among those genuinely looking at ways of solving the crisis. She is not under any illusion. Indeed, she understands full well that the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have arrived in Germany are putting local authorities, and communities, under pressure.

Tensions are mounting nationally as a result. In the eastern German city of Freiberg, hundreds of protesters attempted to block buses carrying migrants. Reports said there were scuffles between police and the crowd, and that firecrackers were thrown at the refugee convoy.

There is no doubt that Chancellor Merkel is concerned. However, what seems to matter most to her is how to turn the current disadvantage into an advantage for Germany. “There are very, very many, but there are 80 million of us,”  she said in Nuremberg recently. “We can and will manage this integration.”

Perhaps such a change in perspective might prompt other prominent European leaders to look again at a solution to the crisis, rather than washing their hands of it.