The bridge: an alternative asylum model for the future

08/03/2024

Imagine a Europe where we no longer get caught up in debates about building walls or turning back boats, but where we work together to find solutions to both the challenges faced by people on the move and the communities that host them. The bridge model offers a hopeful vision, in which we work together to revise protection procedures.

Europe continues to make deals with third countries to limit the influx of refugees and asylum seekers. Although politicians present this as a solution, in reality it doesn’t work and leads to more human suffering and a waste of precious resources. These resources can be used much more effectively to help people and to strengthen communities.

The Bridge Model offers an alternative. This model is designed to address the root causes of forced migration and support the countries where refugees seek protection. It proposes a fairer resettlement system, promotes improved asylum procedures in the EU and encourages greater solidarity between member states.

Together, we can create a more equitable and humane system. The Bridge Model, based on research by D^r Ruben Wissing of Ghent University’s Migration Law Research Group, argues for a Europe that takes responsibility and contributes to a world in which migration is driven by hope and opportunity, not despair.