EU attempt to curb refugees flow, damage control: Activist

Press TV has conducted an interview with Jan Oberg, founder of transnational.org, to discuss the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe.

Oberg believes European Union’s attempt to curb the flow of asylum seekers into Europe is a kind of “damage limitation” exercise, signaling that it is trying to solve the problem.

He also said the European Union has failed to reach a burden-sharing plan so that all Western counties can bear the burden of the current refugee crisis.

The activist also mentioned there is no “far-reaching” thinking on the part of the EU leaders, otherwise they should not have been surprised by the influx of refugees which is the “consequence” of their wars in North Africa and the Middle East.

“The assumption that these wars would make better countries and to democratize these countries have been utterly wrong. These are predictable fiascos. Both the wars and the consequences have not been foreseen,” he stated.

Oberg further noted there will be more refugees in Europe if Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not get what he was promised during the course of the EU-Turkey migration deal.

He also argued the European Union with the largest combined economy on earth is able to care for one million refugees who have turned up at its borders.

“There is always money enough when you want new weapon systems, nuclear weapons in France and Britain and there is enough money when you want to go to war and intervene and destroy countries. This is an utter failure,” he said.   

Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees, who are fleeing conflict-ridden zones in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

European leaders have repeatedly warned the tragedy-stricken refugees heading to the continent that they are not welcome there.

Many blame major European powers for the unprecedented exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and war in the violence-hit regions, forcing more people out of their homes.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk