Time of Crisis

To date, there is no consensus on European asylum policy. On the contrary, the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, the ongoing € debt crisis, Great Britain’s wish to leave the European Union, the crisis in Turkey, the threat of the “Islamic State” in Syria and Iraq and the terrorist attacks in European cities are confronting Europe with an endurance test with an uncertain outcome. In this context, the issue arises of European countries’ reactions to Germany’s stance – which is perceived as dominant – in the debate on European and refugee policy. Discussion about sustainable policy is often conducted with recourse to history. The panel discussion will focus on the significance of the past for the European countries’ present policy in the face of current problems including flight and migration movements in the EU.

The Jewish Museum Berlin hosts this discussion of the following questions with international guests: How was the so-called refugee crisis discussed last year and how today in Germany, Poland, France, and the UK? And which historical references are made? Which memories of flight and expulsion are still in existence and are there renewed fears about Germany’s claim to European leadership?

With: Dan Diner, Adam Michnik, Dietmar Herz, Étienne François, and Hans Kundnani

Moderation: Ines Pohl - Correspondent Deutsche Welle, Washington