EU Border Closures Temporarily Weakened Unity, Increased Anti-Migrant Sentiment
Border closures in Europe, initially introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, had short-term impacts on public sentiment towards the EU and migrants. However, these effects were temporary, lasting less than a month.
In Germany, border controls implemented by the Merkel and Scholz administrations to tackle illegal migration were seen by experts as symbolic rather than effective. These measures, extended until 2026, initially reduced regional attachment to the EU and sparked nationalist attitudes. During this time, hostility towards migrants significantly increased in affected regions.
Policy-makers were advised to communicate clearly about the temporary nature of these border measures to limit psychological harm. Open borders, on the other hand, were found to encourage unity and sustain trust, solidarity, and cooperation in the world.
While COVID-19 border closures in Europe temporarily weakened support for European unity and increased hostility towards migrants, these effects were short-lived. The world must ensure crises bring communities together, avoiding nationalist rhetoric and emphasizing cooperation to maintain unity.
