"But in 2025 tough talk on borders and the conflation of illegal and legal migration is no longer reserved for the far-right. Incumbent centrist governments in Denmark and the UK have made this clear by paring back citizenship and residency rights, while opposition parties are increasingly performative on immigration, saying what they think electorates (or the media) want to hear. But how will immigration trends around Europe change in 2026? According to the experts, it could be much of the same."
"I expect we'll see a continued crackdown on rules and attempts at limiting migration [and] limiting the rights of migrants. "EU countries and the EU itself look set to continue following restrictive migration policies, at least nominally, even when this clashes with their economic interests," she told The Local. Next year will also see a raft of elections, both national and regional, that could shape debate and have a knock-on effect on migration policy and debate across the continent."
Immigration became a central political issue in 2025, shaping debates on the economy, pensions and foreign policy. Escalating rhetoric pushed discourse rightward and affected migrants regardless of origin. Far-right and anti-immigration parties surged in polls, with prospects of governing roles or coalition influence in several countries. Centrist incumbents adopted tougher measures by paring back citizenship and residency rights, and opposition parties performed on immigration to attract electorates and media attention. Restrictive measures are likely to continue in 2026, including crackdowns, caps and repatriation grants, even when they conflict with economic interests. Upcoming national and regional elections could further influence migration policy across the bloc.
Read at www.thelocal.com
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