'Migration issue shapes, ends governments in Europe'

EDIRNE, Turkey

The issue of migration -- especially irregular migration -- often spells the end for governments in Europe, a Turkish official said on Wednesday.

"Illegal, or what we would call 'irregular migration', ends governments in Europe and bring new ones to power," said Faruk Kaymakci, Turkey’s deputy foreign minister and director for EU affairs, in a speech at Trakya University in the northwestern Edirne province.

"The fear of migration has become the leading issue shaping politics and impacting the formation of governments in European Union members, particularly countries like Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands," said Kaymakci.

"We are faced with such a serious problem as irregular migration, and unprecedented large migration waves," he added.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants aiming to cross to Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

More than 89,997 irregular migrants and refugees have reached Europe by sea since the beginning of 2019. As many as 1,090 died at sea, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

At least 30,500 migrants died between 2014 and 2018 while making the treacherous journey to Europe, the IOM said.

*Writing and contribution by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak