During the ECR Group’s study days in Brussels, Ludvig Aspling, migration policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats, took part in a panel discussion on the European dimension of migration policy. There, he expressed cautious optimism about the EU’s ongoing legislative efforts—and a clear sense of pride in Sweden’s new approach.
“The European dimension of migration policy—what’s happening at the EU level and what we, as member states, would like to see to make life a bit easier for those of us trying to tighten immigration policy at home,” Aspling explained when asked about his focus for the panel.
He acknowledged that Sweden’s current restrictive migration stance has made him more confident in international settings.
“Yes, I can feel that, of course,” he said when asked if he felt pride as a Swedish politician. “To be completely honest, that ambition mostly exists in our party, a little bit among the others in the governing coalition. But this is an issue we’ve pushed for, and the reason for the change in Sweden’s policy isn’t because of anyone else. So yes, absolutely, I do feel that. But we should also remember that the realization that migration is a defining issue exists in several parties across Europe. More and more have woken up and realized that change is necessary.”
Aspling highlighted two legislative proposals currently on the table in Brussels: one concerning return hubs, and another on reforming the Safe Third Country concept.
“Both of these proposals are surprisingly good—they can make a very, very big difference,” he noted. “If they end up anywhere near the drafts we’ve seen, they’re actually really good.”
Although he acknowledged that the EU legislative process is slower and more complex than in Sweden, Aspling’s remarks reflect a belief that meaningful and positive reforms in European migration policy may soon become reality.