Accounts Quote by Martin Schulz
“We now have two options: We can commence operations at the Hotspots in Italy and Greece and continue to do nothing - in which case they would soon be overflowing. Or we can show responsibility and organize a distribution system that takes into account the limits of each individual member state. Migrants, for their part, must recognize that, while they have a right to protection, they do not have the right to freely choose the country. In addition, it is clear: Not everybody can come to us.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: European Parliament Debate on Migration Policy, 2015
Calls for coordinated EU migration management, balancing national limits with migrant rights, and rejecting unrestricted entry.
In simple terms: EU should manage migration fairly, respecting both state capacity and migrant protection.
Key Takeaway
Implement shared responsibility and clear entry criteria.
Themes
migration
responsibility
human rights
policy
solidarity
Mood
serious
determined
policy‑focused
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- national policy planning
- NGO coordination
- border management
- public communication
Key Concepts
EU governance
capacity limits
rights vs sovereignty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can EU states fairly share migration burdens?
- What safeguards ensure migrant rights while limiting entry?
A Different Perspective
Balancing national interests with humanitarian obligations is politically contentious.
