EU Observer (1 March 2022)

Shada ISLAM

'It's very simple: if left unchallenged, the EU's hostile migration and refugee policies will continue to undermine the EU's much-needed geopolitical authority and influence'

There is much to admire in EU leaders' quick, robust and hopefully effective response to Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Also impressive is the warm EU welcome extended to an estimated 500,000 Ukrainians who have fled the fighting to seek shelter in neighbouring states.

Lowering the drawbridge to Fortress Europe means the refugees can get urgent help, a temporary home and the hope they need to survive in desperate times.

It is also in keeping with the EU's commitments to international conventions.

The EU's geopolitical resolve and the generous humanitarian response are laudable and prove the bloc's ability to respond to crises, whether military or humanitarian.

But they risk being undermined by persistent Eurocentric policy responses, irresponsible European politicians, offensive West-centric media reporting and incidents of racial discrimination at EU borders.

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