Andrei Yahorau: Terrorist attack in Berlin should not influence the German migration policy

However, it gives new arguments to the opponents of the migration policy of Angela Merkel.

Migration per se is not the cause of terrorism. But under the circumstances, it is necessary for Europe, including Belarus to change the security policy and counter-terror measures.

Andrei Yahorau, the director of the Centre for European Transformation, predicted the possible consequences of the terrorist attack in Berlin in his interview with the "EuroBelarus" information service.

- As a result of the truck driving into the Christmas Fair in Berlin 12 people were killed, 48 injured, 18 are in critical condition. Angela Merkel called it a terrorist attack. What was the goal of the terrorists when they used a truck with Polish numbers as their instruments of crime?

- Judging by the information released so far, it is impossible to accurately establish the goal of terrorists. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but we can say nothing definite about it until we find the terrorist. German police is now looking for him. I do not adhere to the thought that using Polish truck had some special significance.

- Politicians claim that the attack was a result of the open-door policy towards migrants and they encourage to "review and change the migration and security policies". What changes in the migration policy of the country should we expect after the tragedy?

- The attack gives new arguments to the opponents of the migration policy of Angela Merkel: AfD is already trying to put the blame for the murder of citizens on the Chancellor. In this situation, politicical games seem an unsafe enterprise aimed at deepening the split of the German nation at the time when a full solidarity and civil unity are required.

Angela Merkel, despite all the difficulties, is enjoying sufficient suppor of the society to not change her policy. The Chancellor has already publicly announced that the tragedy should not affect the policy of integration of migrants. Merkel’s migration policy is the only sensible and effective approach to migration today, even if it is coupled with numerous risks. Strategically there is simply  no other way to do it. Moreover, migration is the only reasonable solution to the demographic problem of the ageing population so far, the associated labor market disbalance and the economic growth problems in the future. Not only does the German Chancellor solve the current migrant crisis, but she also proves to be a strategically-minded politician, able to take care of Germany and the future of the EU, not only about her own political ratings.

- Could it be so that the Berlin tragedy will become a turning point for Europe? Is there a chance it will force the EU to abandon the open-door policy in favour of improving safety?

- It would be naive to believe that "closing the door" will result  into a greater safety under the circumstances of information openness, "consciential war", the uprising of the right- and left-wing radicalism in Europe and armed conflicts in the neighboring countries. Thousands of EU citizens fight in Syria on the side of ISIS; they are not migrants, they were born in the EU. Migration per se is not the cause of terrorism. But it is necessary for Europe, including Belarus to change the security policy and counter-terror measures. We need to change the approach towards security organization in crowded places: railway stations, stadiums, supermarkets, public festivities. And perhaps there is no way to avoid it.