Europeans open hearts and minds to migrants

However it’s perceived, the massive influx of migrants to Europe is a defining moment for the 28-member European Union.

Their arrival coincides with growing public antipathy in the West towards both immigration and Islam, exacerbated by feelings of financial insecurity amid Europe’s economic downturn.

But the past few days witnessed a moment of truth for European citizens and their leaders. Mercy and kindness held sway in the heart of the continent as ordinary Germans came out in force to welcome the migrants into their country.

The crux of this crisis does not concern technicalities, like where to process the newcomers or how to spread the burden of this wave of nearly 160,000 people, many of whom are seeking safe haven after harrowing journeys to escape wars in the Middle East.

Instead it is a defining moment that will do much to decide the future direction of the European Union in terms of its identity, 

philosophy and demographics. So far, Sweden and Germany have stepped into the breach and 

are leading the way.

Facing a sudden and overwhelming calamity that requires urgent action, European leaders know they must make tough calls that will affect their nations for generations to come. So far, humanity and pragmatism seem to be guiding their hand as gateway open to allow the migrants passage into the heart of Europe.

But the crisis is also causing tension in the countries that serve as entry points, where thousands of new arrivals are straining public services. Among these are Bulgaria and Hungary, where rising anti-immigrant sentiment and Islamophobia are driving the official response to the influx. 

Many East Europeans view the migrants landing on their shores as a threat to the prosperity they were promised when they agreed to join the EU. 

But these are short-term problems that can be overcome. If the EU can get past such obstacles and come up with common solutions based on the humanitarian principles that have been displayed by some of its key leaders this week, Europe can emerge stronger and more cohesive from this crisis.

Many European citizens were dismayed at the response of their leaders this week, but a few years from now they might well be thankful for the foresight of countries like Germany and Sweden. 

One could argue that the real motive for the humanitarian actions is demographic. European society is ageing quickly, so the influx of mainly young refugees appears to make economic sense. Nevertheless, what’s important is that this is the right thing to be doing.

Europeans can be sure that such a deluge of people will bring challenges – and irritations. The policy headaches will extend from education to healthcare to security, and there are of course fears that foreign terrorists could use the newly opened channels to enter Europe.

But, if the process of integrating the migrants is carried out under commonly held and agreed-upon rules and values, Europe could emerge as a shining example to other regional groupings of the power of pragmatism harnessed to humanitarianism.