13
Jun
2023
Watch
This is Europe - Debate with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides (debate)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted that this series of debates will continue to run under the title ‘This is Europe’. Because if illegal migration continues, as has been the case here towards Europe since 2015, this series of debates will soon be called ‘This is Arabia’ or ‘This is Africa’ and no longer ‘This is Europe’. More than 7 million people have come to Europe since the Arab Spring in 2015. The vast majority of these people do not have the status of refugees under the Geneva Convention or the status of beneficiaries of subsidiary or humanitarian protection after a detailed examination. People have come here as hope seekers and have disregarded all the rules. It is the case, for example, that of those who are illegally staying here in Europe, around 80% are asked to return to their homeland, but do not. These migratory flows have also led to a cultural transformation in the major European metropolises. Look to Paris, look to Munich, Brussels or my hometown Vienna. And not only a cultural transformation, but also – and this cannot be concealed – massive security problems. Let's mention it again: Bataclan Theatre, Brussels Airport, up to what happened last week here in France with the knife attack. Ladies and gentlemen, I conclude: Europe can only have a future if we continue not to be targeted by illegal migration and also honestly tell people that we are ready to help them in their regions, but do not let them all in to Europe.