The Strange Death of Europe

1. Europe's leaders are presiding over a civilizational suicide.

When I say that Europe is in the process of killing itself I do not mean that the burden of European Commission regulation has become overbearing or that the European Convention on Human Rights has not done enough to satisfy the demands of a particular community.

Leaders' decisions. Europe's current trajectory is not accidental but a consequence of decisions made by its leaders. These leaders have seemingly lost faith in European civilization, showing little desire to defend its traditions or values. This has led to policies that undermine the continent's unique identity and cultural heritage.

Civilizational decline. The author argues that Europe is not merely facing political or economic challenges, but an existential crisis. The continent is losing its will to survive, its sense of purpose, and its ability to defend its own interests. This decline is evident in the demographic shifts, cultural fragmentation, and the erosion of traditional values.

Apathy and guilt. A key factor in Europe's decline is the pervasive sense of guilt and self-doubt that afflicts its leaders and intellectuals. This guilt stems from the continent's colonial past and its role in historical conflicts. As a result, Europe has become hesitant to assert its own interests or defend its own culture, leading to a passive acceptance of its own demise.

2. Post-WWII labor shortages led to mass immigration, altering Europe's identity.

In all Western European countries this process began after the Second World War due to labour shortages.

Unintended consequences. Mass immigration into Europe began as a response to labor shortages after World War II. Guest worker programs were initially intended to be temporary, but they led to permanent settlements and family reunification, fundamentally altering the ethnic and cultural makeup of European nations.

Demographic shifts. The influx of immigrants, primarily from the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, has resulted in significant demographic changes. In many European cities, "white Britons" and other native European groups have become minorities in their own capital cities. This has led to cultural tensions and anxieties about the future of European identity.

Loss of cultural cohesion. The author argues that mass immigration has eroded the cultural cohesion of European societies. As immigrant communities grow, they often maintain their own languages, customs, and religions, leading to parallel societies and a weakening of shared values. This fragmentation makes it difficult to maintain a sense of national identity and social solidarity.

3. Europe's economic justifications for immigration are often misleading.

All the time Europeans found ways to pretend this could work. By insisting, for instance, that such immigration was normal. Or that if integration did not happen with the first generation then it might happen with their children, grandchildren or another generation yet to come.

Economic myths. Proponents of mass immigration often claim that it is necessary for economic growth and to address aging populations. However, the author argues that these claims are often misleading. While some immigrants contribute to the economy, many others rely on social welfare programs, placing a strain on public resources.

Housing and services. Mass immigration has also led to increased demand for housing, schools, and healthcare, further straining public services. The author points out that the UK, for example, needs to build a city the size of Liverpool every year to accommodate its growing population, largely driven by immigration.

Wage depression. The influx of cheap labor can depress wages for low-skilled workers, exacerbating economic inequality. The author cites studies showing that non-EEA migrants have actually taken out more in services than they have paid in taxes, costing the UK billions of pounds.

4. The "diversity" argument masks cultural erosion and imported social ills.

In order to incorporate as large and wide a number of people as possible it is necessary to come up with a definition of inclusion that is as wide and unobjectionable as possible.

Shallow self-definitions. The author criticizes the emphasis on "diversity" as a core European value, arguing that it has led to a shallow self-definition that lacks the depth and historical roots necessary to sustain a culture. Values like "respect" and "tolerance" are not enough to bind a society together, especially when faced with significant cultural challenges.

Imported social ills. Mass immigration has also led to the importation of social ills, such as gang rape, honor killings, and female genital mutilation. The author argues that these practices are often rooted in cultural attitudes that are incompatible with European values, and that political correctness has prevented authorities from addressing these issues effectively.

Suppression of dissent. The fear of being labeled "racist" or "Islamophobic" has stifled open discussion about the challenges posed by mass immigration. This has created a climate of self-censorship, where even plain truths about these matters cannot be voiced without risking social or professional ostracism.

5. Globalism is not an excuse for uncontrolled migration.

The world is coming into Europe at precisely the moment that Europe has lost sight of what it is.

Myth of inevitability. The author challenges the notion that mass immigration is an inevitable consequence of globalization. He points out that countries like Japan and China have managed to avoid mass immigration despite being major players in the global economy.

Policy choices. The author argues that mass immigration is not an unstoppable force, but a result of policy choices made by European governments. These choices include generous welfare benefits, lax border controls, and a welcoming attitude towards asylum seekers.

Reclaiming control. The author suggests that Europe could regain control of its borders by adopting stricter immigration policies, reducing welfare benefits for new arrivals, and promoting a stronger sense of national identity. These measures, while controversial, would be necessary to preserve European culture and values.

6. Lampedusa and the Greek islands are the tragic front lines of Europe's migration crisis.

Those willing to talk and share their stories were necessarily a self-selecting group. There were times, lingering outside a camp in the evening, when people emerged or returned who seemed – to say the least – not to be approaching our continent in a spirit of generosity or gratitude.

Geographic vulnerability. The Italian island of Lampedusa and the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea have become the primary entry points for migrants seeking to enter Europe. Their proximity to North Africa and Turkey makes them attractive destinations for human smugglers.

Human cost. The journey across the Mediterranean is perilous, and many migrants die at sea. The author describes the overcrowded migrant centers on Lampedusa and the makeshift cemeteries where the bodies of drowned migrants are buried.

Local resentment. The influx of migrants has strained the resources of local communities on these islands, leading to resentment and social tensions. The author notes that the local authorities are often left to cope with the crisis on their own, with little support from the rest of Europe.

7. Merkel's open-door policy in 2015 accelerated Europe's transformation.

At the peak of the crisis in September 2015 Chancellor Merkel of Germany asked the Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, what could be done to stop European citizens writing criticisms of her migration policy on Facebook.

A pivotal moment. Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision in September 2015 to open Germany's borders to Syrian refugees marked a turning point in the European migration crisis. This decision, while motivated by humanitarian concerns, had far-reaching consequences for the continent.

Pull factor. Merkel's open-door policy created a "pull factor," encouraging millions of migrants from across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to seek asylum in Europe. This influx overwhelmed the continent's asylum systems and strained its social fabric.

Erosion of trust. The author argues that Merkel's decision was made without consulting the European people and against the wishes of many member states. This has led to a breakdown in trust between the electorate and their political representatives, fueling the rise of populist and anti-immigrant parties.

8. Multiculturalism has failed to create cohesive societies.

As with so many popular delusions there is something in this. The nature of Europe has always shifted and – as trading cities like Venice show – has included a grand and uncommon receptiveness to foreign ideas and influence.

Parallel societies. The author contends that multiculturalism, as it has been implemented in Europe, has failed to create cohesive societies. Instead, it has led to the growth of parallel societies, where immigrant communities live separate lives from the mainstream population.

Erosion of shared values. Multiculturalism has also undermined the shared values and traditions that once bound European societies together. The author argues that the emphasis on diversity has come at the expense of unity, making it difficult to maintain a sense of national identity and social solidarity.

The need for integration. The author calls for a shift away from multiculturalism towards a policy of integration, where immigrants are expected to adopt the language, laws, and customs of their host country. This would help to create a more cohesive and unified society, while still respecting the rights and traditions of minority groups.

9. Europe's unique sense of guilt paralyzes its ability to defend its culture.

More than any other continent or culture in the world today, Europe is now deeply weighed down with guilt for its past.

Historical burden. Europe is uniquely burdened by guilt for its colonial past, its role in historical conflicts, and its treatment of minority groups. This guilt has led to a reluctance to assert its own interests or defend its own culture.

Self-doubt and self-criticism. The author argues that Europe's obsession with its past has created a culture of self-doubt and self-criticism. This has made it difficult for Europeans to take pride in their own achievements or to defend their own values.

The need for balance. The author calls for a more balanced approach to history, one that acknowledges the continent's past mistakes while also celebrating its achievements. This would help to restore a sense of national pride and cultural confidence, enabling Europe to face the challenges of the future with greater resolve.

10. Repatriation efforts are largely a pretense.

These efforts too will fail. In order to incorporate as large and wide a number of people as possible it is necessary to come up with a definition of inclusion that is as wide and unobjectionable as possible.

Lack of political will. Despite the growing public concern about mass immigration, European governments have been reluctant to implement effective repatriation policies. This is due to a combination of political considerations, legal obstacles, and a lack of resources.

Practical challenges. Even when deportation orders are issued, it is often difficult to enforce them. Many countries refuse to take back their citizens, and the process of identifying and tracking down illegal immigrants can be time-consuming and costly.

The need for a realistic approach. The author argues that Europe needs to adopt a more realistic approach to repatriation, one that acknowledges the limitations of the current system and focuses on removing those who pose a threat to public safety or have no right to remain. This would help to restore public confidence in the immigration system and deter future illegal immigration.

11. Existential tiredness and loss of meaning exacerbate Europe's decline.

Mass immigration – the replacement of large parts of the European populations by other people – is one way in which this new story has been imagined: a change, we seemed to think, was as good as a rest.

Spiritual void. The author argues that Europe is suffering from an existential tiredness, a sense that its story has run out and that it has nothing left to offer the world. This spiritual void has made it difficult for Europeans to resist the forces of cultural erosion and demographic change.

Loss of faith. The decline of Christianity and other traditional belief systems has left a void in the hearts and minds of many Europeans. This has led to a sense of rootlessness and a lack of purpose, making it difficult to find meaning and fulfillment in life.

The need for renewal. The author calls for a cultural and spiritual reawakening in Europe, one that rediscovers the continent's unique heritage and provides a new sense of purpose and direction. This would help to restore a sense of hope and optimism, enabling Europe to face the challenges of the future with greater confidence.

12. A cultural and spiritual reawakening is needed to save Europe.

Stefan Zweig was right to recognise the derangement, and right to recognise the death sentence that the cradle and Parthenon of Western civilisation had passed upon itself.

Reclaiming European identity. The author emphasizes the need for Europe to rediscover its unique cultural and spiritual heritage. This involves celebrating the continent's achievements in art, music, literature, philosophy, and science.

Defending European values. The author calls for a renewed commitment to defending European values, such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. This requires a willingness to stand up to those who seek to undermine these values, both from within and without.

A call to action. The author concludes with a call to action, urging Europeans to resist the forces of decline and to work towards a brighter future for their continent. This requires a willingness to confront difficult truths, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to embrace a new sense of purpose and resolve.

Last updated: April 18, 2025