Germany's welcome to European refugees has won international applause. The nation has been regarded as a moral model for Europe, with its Chancellor Angela Merkel called the "mother of all refugees." Compared with other European countries that are reluctant to absorb the displaced, Germany's attitude, indeed, deserves compliments. However, the kindness of Germany will not necessarily be paid back by good results.
Divisions within the European countries are evident in coping with the refugee crisis. Countries including the UK, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic are quite cautious in handling the requests of asylum seekers, and are trying not to convey the EU's stated message - "Europe welcomes you" - to the displaced. The UK, thus, is unwilling to accept those refugees that have already arrived in Europe. Instead, London is planning to set up a refugee camp on the borders of Syria and take in only qualified candidates. Other countries, such as Poland, are concerned about potential religious conflicts and willing to accept only Christians.
Given the nation's strong economy and prosperous standard of living, most of German citizens feel guilty about the idea of rejecting the refugees. Closing German borders to the needy also goes against the universal values - human rights, equality, and compassion - that Europe has long boasted.
The German government, backed up by a healthy economy, is trying to change its image of being cliquey, to redeem historical mistakes, to alleviate a potential demographic crisis, and to issue orders to other European countries from the moral high ground.
Taking all these elements into account, Merkel decided to open the borders and promised to provide better treatment than other European countries. Merkel, in this way, has won the international applause. Leaders of other countries, tied by national conditions, are unable or unwilling to follow this European moral model. Berlin, originally attempting to set an example for the EU cooperation, has undermined EU solidarity by its heroism.
The German government is quite confident when facing domestic criticism. Merkel argued "We can do it" and claimed that there is no legal limit to the number of asylum seekers. The vice chancellor also stated that Germany can accommodate 500,000 refugees every year.
Merkel's asylum policy has received increasing criticism, of which the most severe is from the chancellor's political partner in the government coalition. The Christian Social Union's leader Horst Seehofer called it a "mistake," which "will occupy us for a long time to come."
The former minister of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Hans-Peter Friedrich, regards it as "an unparalleled political mistake" for Merkel to open the border to the refugees staying in Hungary. Friedrich is concerned that the current asylum policy may breed devastating consequences as some terrorists from the Islamic State may enter Germany alongside the refugees.
How to integrate refugees, mostly Muslims, into the local society is a real challenge that Berlin is now facing. The solidarity and stability of German society will also be threatened.
Given the freedom of movement within the EU, Merkel is not only opening the German border, but also the borders of Europe. EU countries are concerned that the influx of the refugees will impact the labor market, stretch social welfare, and bring in cultural conflicts, as well as security risks. This will definitely facilitate the rise of the right-wing parties, which are characterized by their anti-immigration, anti-euro and anti-EU stance. At that time, the UK may exit the EU. A collapse of the EU would be also possible. Therefore, Berlin's policy will change not only Germany, but also Europe.
The author is a professor from Beijing Normal University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn