The Expert Council for Integration and Migration (SVR) argues that border controls are not an effective measure for curbing irregular migration in Europe or for preventing incidents similar to those seen in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Commenting on the planned extension of German border controls, Vice President of the SVR, Birgit Glorius, told the “Rheinische Post” that, based on current scientific knowledge, migrants lack objective information about the specific conditions in potential destination countries and are often unaware of the existing legislation pertaining to their situation. She emphasized that these newcomers frequently rely on information from social networks, which can be flawed or manipulated. Consequently, the SVR believes it is paramount to educate migrants about available legal immigration options in a way that reaches young individuals.
While recent mass arrivals have led to increased calls for stricter border enforcement, the SVR disagrees with the notion that the Spanish government failed in border protection or that its current legalization campaigns created a pull factor for these influxes, according to the migration researcher from the Technical University of Chemnitz.
Regarding the Ceuta situation, Glorius advised that the European Union should prioritize the implementation of the reformed Common European Asylum System (GEAS), which came into effect on July 12, 2026. She noted that under this system, all arrivals should first undergo screening and should at least have the opportunity to apply for asylum. She added that the reasons why this did not happen remains unclear to date.
Looking ahead, the migration researcher concluded that given the geopolitical environment and global social inequalities, Europe will continue to face migration challenges. She urged the continent not to be provoked or fractured, but instead to act based on a mutually agreed legal framework while consistently keeping the human rights of every individual at the forefront.
