Arabic version: هيغسث ينتقد سياسات الهجرة الأوروبية خلال إحياء ذكرى يوم النصر

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticized European nations over migration for allowing what he described as an “invasion” on their shores, during a D-Day anniversary speech in France. He specifically mentioned beaches in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Hegseth questioned when European capitals would take action against what he termed this invasion.

According to BBC News, Hegseth’s remarks reflect a broader concern regarding migration that has become a significant political issue across Europe. Hardline immigration policies have gained popularity, leading to a surge in support for political parties advocating such measures.

During his address, Hegseth emphasized that European leaders must remember the sacrifices made during World War II to restore freedom to Europe. He warned that this freedom must be actively maintained or it risks becoming merely a temporary state.

The topic of migration has been contentious, with US Vice-President JD Vance recently attributing the death of the 18-year-old British student Henry Nowak to the “mass invasion of migrants.” This statement drew criticism from Downing Street, which asserted that the Nowak family did not wish for the tragedy to be used to foster division.

In the context of migration statistics, sea arrivals in Europe peaked in 2015, with over a million crossings recorded. Recent figures indicate a decrease in small boat crossings to the UK, highlighting the ongoing complexities of migration policy in Europe and the UK.