Following Vice President JD Vance’s warning that Europe was at risk of “engaging in civilizational suicide,” the continent has come under increased scrutiny for failing to effectively address mass migration from primarily Third World countries. This has led to significant rises in violent crime and economic stagnation. Freedom of speech is also under threat, as many complain about a two-tier justice system and Europe’s struggling economy.
In the United Kingdom, the economy has remained stagnant over the past three years with no growth in per capita income. The situation is further exacerbated by issues such as the rise of violent crime and restrictions on freedom of speech. Migration has become a contentious topic, with immigration numbers increasing from approximately 800,000 to between 1.2 and 1.3 million in the past couple of years. Some politicians, like Conservative Party Member of Parliament Robert Jenrick, argue that the influx of migrants has introduced ethnic and religious tensions to the UK’s streets.
France has also seen its economy expand over the last few years, albeit at a slowing rate. The nation’s debt levels could hinder future growth, according to economist Venetis. France has been experiencing continued problems with migration, with the number of immigrants from outside the EU increasing to 317,000 in 2022, up from 222,000 in 2013. Far-right politicians like Marine Le Pen have capitalized on these issues, with Le Pen recently receiving a two-year prison sentence for embezzlement, which she claims is a politically motivated attack.
Germany’s economy has been in a recession for two years, with the unemployment rate on the rise due to soaring energy prices and competition from China. Migration has surged to 1.6 million non-EU immigrants in 2022, up from less than half a million in 2021. Germany has seen a relatively high number of violent assaults, ranking sixth in the OECD list with 630 cases per 100,000 people.
Italy, the third-largest economy in the EU, has experienced growth since the end of the pandemic, although at a slower rate. Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has been credited with her hard stance on illegal migrants, resulting in a decrease of migrants in the country. Italy has witnessed low levels of violent assaults, with 110 cases per 100,000 residents.
Poland’s economy has grown by 2.9% last year, slightly more than the estimated 2.8% growth in the US, while also increasing its defense sector and housing Ukrainian refugees due to the Russian-Ukrainian war. The country has maintained low asylum requests compared to neighboring countries like Germany. Poland has the lowest violent assault ranking in the OECD list at two cases per 100,000.
Hungary’s economy suffered a setback in 2023 but is now recovering, with growth of 0.4% in the fourth quarter of last year. Migration from outside Europe has remained low in Hungary, with Prime Minister Victor Orban emphasizing the country’s stance against mass migration. Hungary has seen low levels of violent assaults, with 124 cases per 100,000 people.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/jd-vances-warning-europes-future-shines-spotlight-continents-growing-list-problems
