Comments 55

挽救难民、挽救欧洲

Sep 12, 2016 George Soros

纽约——当6月23日欧洲难民危机推动英国公投脱欧时，它已经开始推动欧盟朝着解体的方向发展。由此酿成的难民危机和英国脱欧灾难已经强化了排外的民族主义运动，上述运动将试图赢得一系列即将举行的大选——其中包括2017年法国、荷兰及德国全国选举、10月2日欧盟难民政策匈牙利全民公决以及12月4日再度上演的奥地利总统大选。

欧盟成员国不仅没有团结起来抵制这种威胁，反而越来越不愿意相互合作。它们实行自私自利、以邻为壑的移民政策——比如修建边境围栏——进一步加剧联盟碎片化、严重损害成员国利益并颠覆全球人权标准。

目前零零碎碎的难民危机政策在年初欧盟与土耳其签署遏止东地中海难民流入协议时达到高潮，并存在着四大致命缺陷。首先，协议并不能真正代表欧洲；它由德国总理默克尔出面与土耳其谈判并强加给欧洲各国。其次，执法资金严重不足。第三，它实际将希腊变成了一座临时监狱，而且监狱的设施严重匮乏。

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katalinpok @gmail.com Oct 28, 2017

What Soros says that told Orban first: we ought to promote refugees in their countries. I'm glad to read it! I hope that Soros will promote them in their countries and not NGO-s which coused confusion in the Central European countries which has honest democracy but not liberal democracy.
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Henk Crop Sep 27, 2016

In discusssions about the migrationproblems one aspect is often missing, that is the population explosion in some parts of the world.
They are often at the root of economic migration, but can also cause wars like in the past in the Balkans and in Lebanon.
My suggestion is that aid be given to countries where the birthrate exceeds 2. 1 child per woman. That rate makes a stable population.
Countries may not like it when politicians interfere with such matters.
So I think there is an opportunity here for independent Institutions or whealty people to contribute hugely in making the world a better place.
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Manu Oquendo Sep 20, 2016

When bad ideas get old, inevitably, someone puts it in writing.

http://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/09/14/the-dangerous-idiocy-of-global-leadership/
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Manu Oquendo Sep 20, 2016

Not a single word of constructive and well meaning advice comes from Mr. Soros. During the last ten years, In my opinion, he has succeeded in losing the last trace of credibility.
Thanks to him many Europeans realize now that the EU without Russia can only continue to be a neo-colonial base for the USA.
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François Dupont Sep 19, 2016

First, let say that when one of the most destabilizing the world person speaks, we can consider it's an expert advice. If Mr Soros would have really wanted to do something great, he would have proposed to stop definitely hedge funds activities on earth, and use his fortune to develop non risky activities in Africa and ME. The flavor of morality here cannot mask the intention to catch respectability for a personal purpose.
Let's talk about the proposals :
1- orderly manner to receive refugees : so orderly manner to take decisions is needed. With Brussels' intergovernmental decision making system, it's simply impossible.
2- Control the borders : it's a real need, but infeasible with a 1% of GDP budget and without the same democratic law applied everywhere. Devolution to States members don't work and never will.
3- 30 billions is perhaps a correct estimation. It has simply nothing to see with a private founding, must be a public one, applied by public servants and tools. Some missions cannot be privatized, must obey to general interest service. Frontex is an awful neoliberalist experience, creates hotspots, a complete shame for Europe in regard of it's history.
4- A single asylum process : OK
5- import the Canadian scheme in Europe : no, thank you. Just accepting doctors and engineers is the perfect way to increase crisis in departure countries, so to enforce their unability to develop, so to enforce migration pressure.
6- creating jobs in Africa and ME : instead of concentration camps, it's the right way. But two things lack : EU has no strategy for that, because 28 rivals are unable to have ONE. The other missing condition stands here : eg African Union could be the partner of responsible USE, African States cannot be. So strong UA is needed. When the Commission speaks, Europeans turn off.
7- Welcoming environment for migrants : of course it's an evidence that doing so reduces risks and enlarges chances of powerful contributions from new european citizens. But political conditions, because of EU-phobia from 95% Europeans has completely ruined the credibility of EU's institutions in one decade.
So, the core problem of Europeans is that 3 organs inside EU pollute the project to construct a continental democracy byt the aggregation of elementary ones. European council, Council of Europe and Eurogroup are unsane organs and must be replaced by a perfectly clear, legitimate and efficient power. This one will be able to provide good decisions to Europeans, and a trustable actor on the world's scene. The very subject for Europeans is to know available two things : the possible federal choices to build up USE, and the presence of a paneuropean organization to promote the debates. Of course all FN and AfD will enrage, but the complete weakness of their proposals will appear clearly when not 1 but ¾ federal reforming EU compete together.
I wrote Le Printemps des Européens for that puprpose : it includes a Senate of Regions installation to replace the 3 dysfunctioning intergovernmental structures. It's not the sole possible solution, but it's a realistic one, lawyers said.
Yanis Varoufakis has launched DiEM25 in 9 february 2016 in Berlin, as Democracy in Europe Movement of european citizens perfectly aware they own the european citizenship for 25 years and must use it now.
No vertical approach can enlight the core Gordian knot problem of having over european population a non State that decides gifts for bankers and GFs and austerity for stressed citizens, SBs enterprises and local public authorities.
As starts a crucial period with 2017 elections in France and Germany, all Europeans have to give their word there, because the two next french president and german chancellor are key persons to either rebuild Europe or to condamn it to implosion.
As many here know, the two campaigns start with very weak intentions of candidates to explain clearly to voters that they are more than just local citizens but also european citizens.
That's why everyone on earth who see the danger to see parties like FN in France and AfD in Germany to grow up is concerned too. Because EU run by such minds isn't just bad news for Europeans but for the rest of the world too.
If a strong Europe appears, very conscient that the old pages of it's imperialism views on the world have to be turned, a major actor for the world's stabilization will appear.
Then can start, with powerful ressources, a brand new stabilization of the region Africa-ME-Europe.
- Henk Crop Sep 20, 2016
  
  Francois Dupont,
  It is good to have ideas for improvement but I have some remarks here.
  You want to replace EU institutions by some new ones. But I do not see that these will in any way act as democratic institutions and carry out the wishes of the people in the EU.
  After all they are paying for all these plans.
  For quite some time the great majority of the people in Europe are opposed to mass immigration. Also most EU countries have much unemployment and no vacancies. You may not like FN or AfD but they at least listen to the people, as politicians should in a democracy.
  In regards to cooperation with Africa and the ME.
  You do not hold the countries there enough responsible for their own destiny and place to great a role for the EU.
  What is missing also are the numbers.
  The population in this world increases by ca. 100 million per year, almost all in the developing countries.
  This is the main cause of poverty and immigration in the world.
  When this is not being successfully addressed, accepting a 300.000 immigrants or giving 30 billion of aid will not solve the problems much.
  So making Europe a fortress, next to fortress Canada, USA, Australia, and Russia is unavoidable.
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Henk Crop Sep 18, 2016

Your absolutely right. Leaders of countries in Africa and ME should assume the responsiblity for there people. There is no substitute for that. Half a dozen countries in Asia, notably China, have shown how to build a relative wealthy nation in half a century.
As for Africa; Europe has given a huge amount aid there over past decades.
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Michael Hullevad Sep 18, 2016

A very small part of the so called Refugees are able to hold a skilled job (4%). A large part of the migrants from Africa leave their homes because of no prospects, and jobs. The EU do not want any competiton for (mostly) French farmers and imposes harsh tariffs on imports. They give some aid as handouts, that usually ends up in the wrong pockets.
The 3rd industrial revolution is upon us, with robots, automation and green energy. A smaller workforce is not a great problem.
I agree that the EU would benefit greatly if they opened up for trade and investments i Africa.
Brexit happend mostly due to Mrs. Merkels open door policy and the beggar thy neigbour policy with EU migrants causing strains in the social system.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  Ok EU is irresponsible and inconsistent, but help to reform this power and you get another democratic paradigm. Without refering to robots. See 2001, Space odyssey first, please.
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Keith Johnson Sep 18, 2016

I very much respect George and what he writes - his reasoned and sensible policies have all the hallmarks of liberal. social democratic enlightenment. Unfortunately, the world of transnational reason to which he and many of us still aspire is becoming illusory. It has been eroded by the perceived failure of globalization in maintaining the living standards of ordinary families since 2008 [linked to austerity and bail-outs of the banking sector] and the persistent neo-liberal brain-washing of the population with a winner-takes-all, survival-of-the-fittest creed of greed. Europe and the West has to start by tackling its own enormous internal problems surrounding debt and its erosion of worth and enterprise - only then will voters start to give the 'old' liberals among us a fairer hearing.
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Louis Stouch Sep 18, 2016

Given Europe’s aging population, the benefits migration brings far outweigh the costs of integrating immigrants. All the evidence supports the conclusion that migrants can contribute significantly to innovation and development if they are given a chance to do so. ............

WRONG. Gyorgy forgets that most of the refugees are low skill/low education types. Germany has been able to employ only 4%. The rest go right on the welfare rolls. In America immigrants are more educated and thus more business oriented.

As for demographics in Europe, robotics is the answer.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  Robotics is the answer ? Are you joking ?
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Bevin Beaudet Sep 18, 2016

Soros proclaims that immigration would be good to counteract ageing European populations. This is a flawed assumption. This will come with the ultimate demise of European culture as we know it. The new refugees appear to have little or no interest in integrating into current society.
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Claudemir Sereno Sep 18, 2016

A resposta à crise dos refugiados que atinge a UE de fato não pode ser fragmentária vinculada a nacionalismos e xenofobia. Aliás como bem destacou o senhor Georges Soros nos seus sete pilares. Por outro lado, existe um lado menos evidente a primeira vista embora devesse ser relacionado como pressupostos ao receituário do nobre senhor Soros. A guerra civil Síria têm como atores principais governos que não sofrem com o resultado da intensa movimentação de pessoas em buscs de refugio no continente europeu. Todavia, tiram proveito da situação em território neutro. Portanto, neste momento fazer da Turquia um campo de refugiados nos moldes que a história recente condenou demonstra que nenhuma das partes envolvidas direta ou não nestes conflitos não pensa em dar uma resposta adequada a situação mas apenas encontrar meios de lucrarem com desespero alheio.
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Enrique Woll Battistini Sep 18, 2016

I was fortunate enough to receive a reply from George Soros, through his Open Society Institute circa 1993, to a letter of transmissiion, so to speak, regarding my 1992 proposal for "A Partnership for Development with the United States of America, for The Americas. His response was gracious, and encouraging, though prudent in this regard as could be expected.

In "Saving Refugees to Save Europe", Mr. Soros raises seven essential points that the EU must meet regarding its refugee strategy, if it is to be successful in harnessing enough of its considerable resources to bring the crisis quickly, effectively and efficiently enough to a close to ensure success, and survive.

In my view, the jewel in the crown of his proposed approach, is the sixth pillar: "The EU should offer a genuine grand bargain focused on the needs of recipient countries. This means creating jobs in refugees’ home countries, which would reduce the pressure to migrate to Europe."

The essence of my proposal of 1993 to Mr. Soros, is embodied in this later detailed model and simulation, which in my view, could and should be applied along three North-South axes: North America-South America, Europe-Africa, and Asia-Oceania:

https://www.academia.edu/12823841/Mathematical_Model_and_Simulation_for_A_Partnership_for_Development_with_the_United_States_of_America_-_December_1999

Perhaps the most fundamental reason for the unconscionable levels of welfare inequality within countries, and between countries and continents, the world is facing today, has been argued by Thomas Pikkety:

https://www.academia.edu/13062623/Informal_Proof_of_Thomas_Pikettys_Thesis-2014060802

This, more than anything else, in myview has brought the world to the brink of recovery or conflagration:

https://www.academia.edu/23094646/OFA_At_the_Brink_of_Recovery_or_Conflagration_The_World_at_a_Tipping_Point_2011111506

In my view, again, some of the issues and actions that should be considered and acted upon at this time are:

https://www.academia.edu/15092472/Living_in_Peru_-_Peru_in_Copenhagen_Thoughts_on_The_Right_to_Pollute_-_Does_it_Exist_-_2010102701

https://www.academia.edu/24596360/TRUTHOUT_-_The_solid_wall_between_the_1_and_the_working_poor_in_the_USA_The_perverse_and_persisting_conundrum_of_the_minimum_wage_-_2016041801

https://www.academia.edu/13062837/La_Reforma_Tributaria_del_Siglo_XXI_The_XXI_Century_Tax_Reform_-_2011100411

https://www.academia.edu/23946856/Facebook_-_Staving_off_the_impending_effects_of_unemployment_through_increased_consumption_2013031903

https://www.academia.edu/18040396/Living_in_Peru_-_Uses_and_Limitations_of_Michael_Greene_s_Social_Progress_Index_SPI_for_Development_-_2015102202

These have been some of my efforts for promotion of the points I have made here regarding the need for creation of orderly systems for North-South investment for holistic socioeconomic global development since 1992:

https://www.academia.edu/26966465/An_idea_set_forth_in_1992_written_up_in_1993_and_upgraded_in_1997_A_Partnership_for_Development_with_the_United_States_of_America_-_1997030101.doc

https://www.academia.edu/12823884/Some_attempts_at_promoting_A_Partnership_for_Development_with_the_United_States_of_America_-_1997031002
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Michael Trager Sep 18, 2016

As we think we are in command of our nations, we command the world, we risk our selves and our people.
no one is looking at the numbers of people who need help,or number of nation in disfunction, to surport themselves. this can not go forward, in reality.
people nedd to be in there environment to progress.
culture takes time. a foundation of social sociey can be destroyed. we need to have nation live up to what it means to be a government of order.
michael trager
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  Sorry, I don't share the view that retreat on local communities can help to stabilize the world. It's a very philosophical and clever point of view to enlarge the consideration for natural environment, local cultures...but it cannot tackle the problem that huge actors exist, as federal States, global firms, world finance. We can tackle the risks in accepting several levels of citizenships, from common to the world. Then we can enforce the powers to be as responsible in regard as we are able to prove we are.
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eusebio manuel Sep 18, 2016

immigration is for good benefit of a country´s politicians and European government agencies should work hand in hand with a clear clean interface accept immigrants who are not susceptible to benefit the parents In any may to reform the immigration system in Europe and achieve goals the rule of law
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Naresh Manoj Sep 18, 2016

How would taking in a substantial number of refugees - a commitment of 300000 annually no less - be compatible with a voluntary matching mechanism for relocating refugees with no minimum quotas nor element of obligation for individual states? The crux of the issue ostensibly is the unwillingness of certain states to accept any refugees at all. This then triggers populist demands in other countries as citizens reject the notion of having to shoulders a disproportionate share of the burden and risk.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  OK with you. See my post for a constructive proposal to rebuild Brussels' power please.
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Bhargava datta Sep 18, 2016

Having considered that EU's aging population with sliming of social security, lower interest rate hurting there income.

coupled with high youth unemployment and banks conversative approach to leading because of bad balance sheet leading to hostile economic environment for people to accept more refugee.

And for the question of funding refugee resettlement can be funded with peace credit on domestic and international weapons trade mechanism like carbon credit.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  Sorry, I don't get you. Please develop you views;
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j. von Hettlingen Sep 17, 2016

George Soros lambastes EU leaders for their failure to handle the refugee crisis, which is driving the bloc "toward disintegration." No doubt the influx of migrants was the motivation behind the Brexit vote, the rise of xenophobia, nativism and populism, which pose mainstream politicians enormous challenges ahead of elections.
Dutch, French and Germans will go to the polls next year, whose outcome in France and Germany will have an impact on the future of the EU. The prospects for Angela Merkel and François Hollande to remain in office are momentarily bleak. Soros shouldn't be surprised that EU member states aren't in the mood of "uniting to resist this threat.../and/...to cooperate." He has failed to separate wheat from chaff - not all leaders "pursue self-serving, beggar-thy-neighbor migration policies – such as building border fences – that further fragment the Union, seriously damage member states, and subvert global human-rights standards."
From a comfortable distance Soros can afford to take the moral high ground, criticising the agreement signed between Angela Merkel and Turkey to stem the flow of refugees to Europe. It is not true that "the EU cannot survive without a comprehensive asylum and migration policy." Because "the current crisis is not a one-off event; it augurs a period of higher migration pressures for the foreseeable future," many in Europe fear the ramifications of having such a huge number of refugees, who have high fertility rates. They see their heritage and cultural identity at risk. Indeed the causes for mass migration are too overwhelming for some Europeans to contemplate. "Population explosion" and "climate change force many to flee Africa. Wars and political instability in the Muslim world drive refugees into Europe. They are not sure whether demographic shortfalls in Europe should be compensated by the current wave of migrants from a totally different religion.
Soros proposes a "comprehensive approarch" built on "seven pillars" to help resolve the refugee crisis. Some of the points he makes overlap. As always his - repetitive - talk is long on words and short on action. It's doubtful whether leaders and policy makers can take them into consideration, because they sound great - coming out of the mouth of a humanist, who has a vast fortune of around $25 billion. His philanthropic ideas may work in theory but not in practice.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  Many views in common, dear JVH. Please give a glance to my post. There is no final countdown for Europe, but it's time to unite all brave hearts who love the european citizenship. We have to reform EU, now, and put that level of power, it's exclusive competencs, at the service of clever inner and external policies. You are perhaps Dutch, and the 2017 elections in France and Germany are also important for your future in that case. So, come in, say your word, please.
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- Vidvuds Beldavs Sep 18, 2016
  
  Before rejecting the proposals it may be worth contemplating what would happen if they could be implemented. Can the EU absorb 300,000 vetted refugees per annum that enter the EU in an organized process? There are many Christians in Africa, granted fewer in the ME, but the majority of refugees could well be Christians per my understanding of what is proposed.
  What also needs to be considered is what if there isn't an EU wide approach. Soros sees worsening chaos.
  The primary challenge is Africa with its expected 2 billion plus people by 2050. Such an Africa would have an economy that could dwarf that of the EU in 2050. The reality is that Africa is Europe's biggest challenge as well as its largest opportunity. Helping Africa to sustain its 6% growth rate Europe could sustain its own growth to create opportunity for all Europeans.
  Seeing the outside world only as a problem leads to building walls. In time such walls would be blown over despite the best efforts of those inside. Building bridges, however, can strengthen communities on both sides of the bridge.
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- Henk Crop Sep 18, 2016
  
  Well said. People like mr. Soros approach immigration mainly from a moral point of view and disregard facts and figures. It is the easy way. By doing so they stand in way of finding effective solutions. Also by handing out labels like populist, xenofoob, populist, etc they kill any reasonable approach.
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M M Sep 15, 2016

The Euro is only part of the problem. The citizens in the EU never voted for a Federal State, they definitly never voted for a Federal State run by Germany with a convenient proxy to Brussels. The refugees crisis should have never happened and it was self inflicted at the arrogance of the current German leadership and utter incompetence and power struggle within this US Administration. The originating countries must be stabilised, the refugees should be repatriated at the earliest possible opportunity and the arms manufacturers and arms and drug dealers must be made to pay direly for the damage that they caused to humanity through their proxies all over the place and their proxies should be jailed without trial, the world is still living under Austerity, there is no money to pay for expensive tribunals.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  I don't share your views. Please clarify in what US administration and Berlin's power stand on the same foot.
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Christopher williams Sep 13, 2016

The problem with talking about refugees as a single type is how this creates a perception where a bad experience with one can prejudice a reaction to the many. The Cologne New Year has caused so much reversal of sentiment in Germany as to undermine Ms. Merkel's entire government.
The element which is missing from Mr. Soros' otherwise excellent commentary is about education - and how it is the necessary factor in converting 'problem' refugees into additional skilled workers and citizens.
Education should be provided prior to becoming integrated in the destination country - and it needs to include social behavioral learning as well as linguistic and job training. While this requires work to achieve the right result, it is essential if we are to avoid the blanket distrust of all refugees.
If there is a criticism of the German (in particular) approach to refugees it has been the well-meant but erroneous concentration on prioritizing those most in need. This has created a high level of people who are effectively unemployable getting in, while skilled, or semi-skilled persons are excluded.
But perhaps the most critical factor in the pre-training is to ensure the person coming in respects the laws and social mores of the country to which they wish to live; they may prefer to stay within their own religious values, but they have to accept the way in which others live and respect those.
- John Brian Shannon Sep 13, 2016
  
  Hi Christopher,
  
  "... the most critical factor in the pre-training is to ensure the person coming in respects the laws and social mores of the country in which they wish to live..." -- Christopher williams
  
  Well said.
  
  Cheers, JBS
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Petey Bee Sep 12, 2016

That's nice, but I'd say the €30 Billion would be better spent as a retirement fund for the current crew of policy makers who keep manufacturing crises in the middle east that generate refugees. Let the planners of this foolery retire in luxury, it would be well worth it.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  I would rather promote the idea to let them retire in hotspots...
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- John Brian Shannon Sep 13, 2016
  
  Hi Petey Bee,
  
  I can't disagree with a word you've written. Well said, as always.
  
  Cheers, JBS
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Juan Antonio Falcón Blasco Sep 12, 2016

Mr Soros forgets the responsibility of the United States in this matter.
USA created the problem due to its pernicious international policy. USA invaded Iraq and when it saw its failure went out running leaving behind a great problem. and over all a very serious humanitarian problem.

Juan Antonio Falcón Blasco
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  You get the point. But our european PMs also gave support to the unsane USA's position. They acted as courtiers for most of them. They are decredibized as EU is now.
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- Vidvuds Beldavs Sep 18, 2016
  
  Soros did not discuss the causes of the problem or responsibilities for fixing the problem. The reality is that the Middle East and Africa are Europe's neighbors. If the neighborhood is in chaos the highest fence will offer insufficient protection.
  The U.S. grave strategic error in invading Iraq starting in 2002 has been a principal challenge that the current U.S. administration has attempted to address. Many billions are being invested by the U.S. and some initiatives are working.
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Henk Crop Sep 12, 2016

Like so many mr. Soros discusses immigration without mentioning figures and underlying facts.
a. In 35 years the populatiion of Africa will increase by 700 million.
Also in the Middle East a huge population explosion is taking place.
For example Egypt will then grow from 68 to 127 million.
b. The refugees do not want to go to Europe, but only to Northern Europe. Of the 10 countries there most had to restrtict the flow of immigrants. Because they have unemployment themselves.
c. In these developed countries you need to speak the language and have a diploma for almost any job. If immigrants cannot find a job they will land in social security or crime. And will live in frustration in a ghetto.
d. In the Netherlands we have 40 years of experience with immigration from non-western cultures. It contributed little to our society, but cost a lot. In total Euro 100.000.- per integrated immigrant.
e. Most potential immigrants live in Muslim countries. The experience proves that they especially find it difficult to integrate and sometimes they do not want that at all.
f. When large groups of immigrants come from one country they stick together and do not inegrate at all. A new tribe develops. In the Balkans or Libanon you can see how that worked out.
Considering the figures, the economic, social and cultural impact immigration will have on Europe there is simply no other option than an almost complete stop on immigration.
Immigrants can only be allowed entrance if there is a vacancy.
Refugees receive only temporary shelter in their region.
All others have to be returned.
By inadequately protecting its borders and not returning illegal immigrants Europe is creating hope and is enhancing the flow of immigrants.
This all has nothing to do with xenophobia or nationalism but by the desire to give our children a future. And the willingnes to face the facts and learn from history.
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  I don't share your views. Europe is much more than a fortress for high or middle class rich consumers in regard to peripheral born at the wrong place peoples. I spent years of my life with hopeless peoples, and know that with some a long help is needed. Not to see them disturb the society, not to see the final result of all stupid risks taken by elites be the model of individual risks to devaluate cultures and personal self confidence. We simply are very different beings in depth, but have to make the shareable part of our lifes manageable together. So we need tools that serve that goal, an architecture of responsible to citizens powers. From common to the world, yes.
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- John Brian Shannon Sep 13, 2016
  
  Hi Henk,
  
  "By inadequately protecting its borders and not returning illegal immigrants Europe is creating hope and is enhancing the flow of immigrants." -- Henk Crop
  
  Right, on so many levels.
  
  Cheers, JBS
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- yw yap Sep 13, 2016
  
  The lack of integration and/or assimilation contribute to the problem; perplexed by the stance of the refugees.
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Peter Lintner Sep 12, 2016

George Soros forgot the most important. Any mass immigration scheme must be approved by european voters in referendums in every single european country, to give it legitimacy. European countries are still democracies, let´s not fortget about it.
Demos+kratia = the rule of people. It does NOT mean the rule of elite, media, UN or billionaire funded NGOs.
- Peter Lintner Sep 14, 2016
  
  You must be kidding, surely. Refugees will be voting where they want to go, against the will of locals/europeans? Can i vote myself to live in your house? You sure, you understand the meaning of democracy?
  
  As for international agreements. Nothing is set in stone. Current refugee conventions are clearly being misused for mass immigration. They have to be changed or Europe must withdraw from them entirely. That something was signed 50+ years ago doesnt mean it will be applied forever. Every law has to reflect the real world, and today´s world is completely different from post WW2 world. The change is long overdue.
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- Ott Toomet Sep 14, 2016
  
  Refugee policy is not just a matter of Europeans. Also (potential) refugees should have a say (although probably less of a say than the locals.)
  
  I cannot imagine how such a referendum could look like, but international agreements might work.
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Renato Schmidt Sep 12, 2016

How not to agree with this comprehensive approach?
Refugees have some of the spirit of initiative, despite forceful circumstances. So they have a drive and a animal spirit akin in some way to the capitalist spirit.
Much of the spirit of my ancestors who came from Germany to Brazil as a sort of economic refugees around 1855, although they came legally.
If I would like to have the XXI Century refugees in my neighborhood, It depends.
The way Mr. Soros put it, if I may say in a soft landing environment, with the necessary investments, most certainly they would be welcome. They can do better than staying in refugees camps. However job creation depends on investments.
Economic, political and security world problems are becoming integrated more and more for better and worse, as the refugees situation blatantly demonstrates.
Do there is an alternative to address these problems in the countries of origin of the refugees? Yes, indeed: international taxation should be relocated to the countries where economic activities occur. Tax agreements should be changed, and taxation on profits remittance should be 100% a right of the country were capitals are invested, a right of the recipient.
It goes without saying that Dollar and Euro printers can finance their industries and their financial services at much more competitive rates, and spread their MNE’s that in a next moment will generate profits and royalties that will be taxed in great part in the rich countries Treasures Departments. Ça fait une boule de neige.
As result there is a scope, i.e. the taxes reallocation, for correcting international imbalances and providing financial resources for developing economic conditions in the refugees countries. Would it be advisable international cooperation, surveillance, or some sort of shared sovereignty among countries? Maybe,
Job creation and citizen rights in non fully developed countries is much cheaper, and perhaps more efficient provided the necessary framework and controls.
No man is an island; are developed societies?
Postpone is not a solution, as always.
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John Katz Sep 12, 2016

At last a realistic assessment of an effective policy.
Is there any prospect of an agreement on the lines suggested or must we become resigned to the failure of the European Union?
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John Brian Shannon Sep 12, 2016

Hi George,

The European Union is nowhere near "disintegration" it will remain a powerful entity for many years, and probably many decades.

Sure, it will lose some nations and it will add some nations as time rolls forward. That's to be expected in a relatively new (when framed in historical terms) union.

There is no "Brexit calamity" -- the UK continues on as before, as does the EU. Were you to visit either, you wouldn't know that there was a "Brexit calamity" occurring. People are going on about their business in the same manner as previous to the June 23rd referendum.

French, Dutch, German, Hungarian, and Austrian voters are adults -- and I wouldn't worry too much about their elections. Citizens, since time immemorial vote in their own best interests and just because Britons voted to leave the EU, doesn't automatically mean that those voters will want to do the same.

I don't see democracy as a "threat". Rather, it is the free expression of citizens to choose their form of governance and for (or against) the policies of the various political parties.

People don't need to be sheltered from themselves, nor from their own free will, nor from the realities of the world, nor the consequences of their vote. Nor do they need to be told how to vote.

Beggar-thy-neighbour economic or migration policies didn't suddenly begin at Brexit, they were well-underway even prior to the Greek financial crisis.

Because there was no unanimity, Angela Merkel was forced into creating a policy to deal with the refugee crisis. Without that policy, things would've surely been worse. And yes, your points are well-taken, the current response to the refugee crisis are severely underfunded and Greece has become (moreso than before) a de facto holding pen for migrants.

With those caveats, the rest of your essay is brilliant -- and your seven pillars are the exact prescription needed to solve many issues at once which will help the EU *move past* the present (uncomfortable) moment.

Thank you for addressing these important issues here at ProSyn. I enjoyed reading your essay.

As always, very best regards, JBS
- François Dupont Sep 19, 2016
  
  Youe are completely wrong : Europe is really at the turning point. Either it tuns to a democracy, or it turns to a nightmare for a long period. European elites pretend they can manage a long time inequalitity inside Europe. That's wrong, european people don't accept it. It exists, certainly not in all minds, but in several millions. A nation-State is to born, with a brand new definition of what integration means. A multicultural nation, of course, doesn't comply with the old Renan's definition or with the Heimat's one. It's a new one, respectful of it's most impressive wealth, the cultural one.
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- John Brian Shannon Sep 13, 2016
  
  Hi Gunnar,
  
  Thank you for your kind comment.
  
  "The UK vote has even reinforced the project as people suddenly realized what the stakes were.." -- Gunnar Erikisson
  
  Exactly as you've stated, I agree.
  
  Cheers, JBS
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- Gunnar Eriksson Sep 12, 2016
  
  Regarding the European Union as such you are absolutely right. The UK vote has even reinforced the project as people suddenly realized what the stakes were, and particularly the complete lack of ability and alternative solutions of the main protagonists has certainly cooled activists in other member states.
  Regarding what democracy could produce I sure hope you are right, but history is not always convincing if large enough segment of the population feel left outside
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