Why immigration to Europe is neither humanitarianly just nor economically efficient – and what must be done to change that

Lecture on March 21, 2025

For demographic and economic reasons, the countries of the European Union – particularly Germany – require significant levels of immigration. As a relatively wealthy continent with a historical responsibility, Europe also has a humanitarian duty to contribute to alleviating the plight of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. Although Europe and Germany are key destinations for large-scale immigration, this process remains largely unregulated and is marked by considerable fluctuations, making successful integration difficult. Furthermore, the composition of this immigration is neither fair nor aligned with the demands of the labor market.

Europe has so far failed to sufficiently attract skilled workers from third countries. Many of the immigrants arriving are asylum seekers who lack the qualifications necessary for successful integration into the labor market. This immigration is also not humanitarianly just, as the most vulnerable refugees often do not make it to Europe. These issues create a vicious cycle, where uncontrolled migration and the accompanying integration challenges fuel the rise of right-wing populist parties, further diminishing Europe’s appeal to skilled immigrants.

How can Europe, and specifically Germany, truly – not just rhetorically – become an immigration destination where migration is measured and regulated, benefiting both immigrants and the host society, and supported by a broad political consensus? This is the key question of immigration policy, one that will determine whether immigration continues to be a divisive societal issue in Germany and Europe, or whether it will genuinely help secure the future of our continent.