This article originally appeared in The Conversation.
Since January 4, anyone crossing the famous bridge between the two countries (or boarding a ferry) has had to show their documents, as part of a bid to cut down on migrant and refugee numbers. Denmark has by tightening its own border with Germany.
Shouldering the burden
Relative to its own population Sweden has, together with Germany, received the highest number of asylum seekers in the EU in recent years. Developments in 2015, however, have forced the government into a more restrictive approach. Unprecedented numbers are entering Sweden to apply for asylum.
Over the years, Sweden has built a reputation as tolerant, open and consensual. True, this image has been tarnished by the assassinations of a and a , in Stockholm and the presence of criminal gangs.
"Over the years, Sweden has built a reputation as tolerant, open and consensual."
It could, nevertheless, still be argued that the country has been able to absorb high levels of immigration without widespread serious social and political tensions.
, the former Conservative prime minister, illustrated the pro-immigration approach in 2014 when he said Swedes must “open their hearts” to the people arriving from countries such as Syria and Iraq.
Changing tide
For many years Sweden was one of the few European countries without a strong anti-immigration party. The generous asylum policy was supported by parties on both sides of the traditional left-right political divide.
But tensions have grown in recent years and the far right has profited. The anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, for many years an irrelevance, entered parliament in 2010 and more than doubled its representation in 2014. The party is currently enjoying , and has taken the opportunity to make political capital out of the immigration situation.
The party has put up English-language at Stockholm underground stations apologising for immigrant begging and on the Mediterranean island of Lesbos discouraging refugees from going to Sweden.
To an extent, the restrictive turn taken by the government (a minority coalition between the Social Democrats and the Green Party) is an attempt to stop the growth of the Sweden Democrats. By taking a tougher stance, the government hopes to bridge the gap between an essentially pro-immigration political system and a more sceptical general public.
"The current asylum situation is unprecedented, even comparable to the Balkan crisis in the 1990s."
At least as important, however, are purely practical and economic considerations. The current asylum situation is unprecedented, even comparable to the Balkan crisis in the 1990s.
In 2015 Sweden received a total of . This was the highest ever number for a single year. In fact, it was almost twice the previous high of .
Over the course of 2015, it became increasingly difficult to find accommodation for the refugees. There were reports of deploying gymnasiums, churches and camps of tents. Local councils from across the country claim they are no longer able to bear the expense of the growing numbers of refugees.
A practical choice?
On a more positive note, the restrictive immigration politics have not, so far, been accompanied by a more hostile rhetoric. The government’s position is that tighter controls are needed to make it possible to treat new and existing asylum seekers with dignity and humanity. The Swedish government has also repeatedly asked other EU countries to take more responsibility for the refugee crisis.
Still, the change is moving the country in a new direction. It will make it impossible for refugees to enter the country. In practice, that means they will have to apply for asylum in another country.
"These concerns could be extended to the entire EU, where the free movement of people and capital are core values."
It goes without saying that the ID checks will affect regular travel between Denmark and Sweden. On average circa 95,000 people travel between the two countries every day – including 15,000 people commuting for work. The delays caused by the checks could force some commuters to give up their employment in the other country, and concerns have been raised about the effects on the regional economy.
These concerns could be extended to the entire EU, where the free movement of people and capital are core values. The current development, with checks and restrictions spreading from country to country in a kind of domino effect, could have serious consequences for trade and tourism. In the longer term, they represent a threat to the very raison d’être of the European Union.
from the University of Aberdeenis is affiliated with the Swedish Social Democratic Party. Passive member, not politically active.
