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The Guardian
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
The EU gave Romania's migrant workers the chance to build a new life. Why are they turning against it?
It would be reasonable to assume that people who move from one EU country to another in search of work and opportunity are among the union's most reliable supporters. Freedom of movement within the 27-nation bloc is, after all, one of the big advantages of EU citizenship. But Romania's diaspora has recently upended that theory. With about a quarter of its 19 million citizens living abroad, mostly in western Europe, Romania has the largest diaspora in the EU. About two-thirds are economic migrants: picking fruit in Andalusia, caring for elderly people in Vienna, laying bricks in Brussels. In 2023 alone they sent home €6.5bn in remittances, almost 3% of Romania's GDP, sustaining communities across the country. In Romania's tense presidential re-run in May, the pro-Europe candidate, Nicușor Dan, carried the election, seeing off his far-right Eurosceptic challenger, George Simion, in the decisive round. After months of political chaos, the outcome drew sighs of relief across the EU. Complacency would be deeply unwise, however, because among Romanian voters abroad, Simion was the clear winner, scoring nearly 70% of the vote in diaspora-heavy countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain. For years, Romania's diaspora mostly supported centrist, pro-European candidates. So why would nearly 1 million of them embrace a candidate who questions Romania's place in the EU? Simion's inflammatory past statements about the EU include: 'We don't want to be secondhand citizens of this new Soviet Union.' Among Romanians working abroad, such sentiments appear to have struck a chord. The answer, for me, lies in years of political neglect: from Bucharest, host countries and Brussels alike, many Romanians feel invisible and unheard. The pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis deepened their discontent, which the far right has fanned and weaponised through disinformation and emotional manipulation, turning it into a potent political force. 'I know how hard it was for you to leave – your parents, your children, your roots,' Simion said in a campaign video addressed to diaspora voters in April. 'You are our nation's greatest wealth. Without you, we cannot rebuild anything that will endure.' Despite their crucial role in the prosperity of Romania and the EU at large, these migrant workers remain politically marginalised and underrepresented. The Turkish diaspora's support for Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offers a cautionary parallel: alienation abroad can harden into authoritarian sympathy at home. Had the Romanian election been solely an indictment of the country's political establishment, Dan, with a record of fighting corruption as Bucharest's mayor, would surely have won more diaspora votes than Simion. But the opposite happened, because this vote was perceived to be more about dignity, recognition and a deep emotional reckoning than it was about anti-establishment credentials. For decades, the state's message to Romanians abroad has been blunt: send remittances, give us your vote, but don't expect representation. For years, state-funded organisations that supposedly support Romanians abroad have done little to meet the pressing needs of workers in host countries, such as legal aid, or Romanian language classes for children. Governments of the countries Romanians typically move to have not done much better. Despite theoretically enjoying equal treatment with workers in the host countries and protection from discrimination, Romanians in practice often face exploitative conditions, social exclusion and scant access to public services. For many of them, the promise of European opportunity has become a reality of European marginalisation. The pandemic made matters worse, as many, especially those in precarious or seasonal work, were excluded from social protection, healthcare and financial aid in their host countries, while Romanian authorities actively discouraged them from returning home. Rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis led to remittances falling sharply in 2024. This dual alienation created fertile ground for the far right – which Simion has exploited since founding AUR (the Alliance for the Union of Romanians) in 2019. True, by the 2024 presidential race, Simion's outsider appeal had faded, and he finished fourth in the first round of voting. But Simion was eclipsed by another ultra-nationalist, Călin Georgescu, who called the EU a 'pile of shards'. Georgescu also channelled diaspora discontent, but with even more radical language. Rejecting the 'diaspora' label, he called workers abroad 'the other Romania', saying they were the country's biggest investor and urging them to return. On social media, his promises were turbocharged by disinformation. Sign up to Headlines Europe A digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day after newsletter promotion It worked: in November 2024, Georgescu unexpectedly won the presidential election's first round. Romania's constitutional court annulled the election, citing foreign interference. Georgescu was consequently barred from entering the rescheduled 2025 race. For many abroad, this felt like yet another elite betrayal, which allowed Simion to inherit his base. With Dan now president, the diaspora's grievances are still simmering. A real shift is required: Romania must treat its diaspora as a political constituency in its own right, with sustained engagement and representation. At the EU level, a similar rethink is needed: diasporas must be recognised not just as economic agents, but as full political actors. Action will certainly be difficult in an era where the far right is advancing not just at home, but in Brussels. The surge in votes for far-right parties in the 2024 European elections made that clear. But the warning signs are flashing red. Leaders from Bucharest to Brussels only have a narrow window to respond. The alternative – continued far-right mobilisation of diaspora communities – threatens not just individual countries, but the European project as a whole. If the EU cannot maintain the loyalty of its own migrant workers, its long-term survival must surely be in doubt. Raluca Besliu is a Romanian journalist based in Brussels
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The Independent
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
‘It feels good to say I'm Irish': How second passports grant readers post-Brexit travel freedom
As Brits grapple with the post-Brexit reality of restricted EU access, many Independent readers have been sharing why they've pursued second citizenship – and how it's reshaped their identity, freedom, and sense of belonging. Jessica Furseth's article struck a chord with those determined to reclaim their right to freedom of movement through ancestral ties, even if it meant wrestling with red tape. Her piece captured the reality of a growing trend: UK-born citizens pursuing second passports not for novelty, but necessity, reestablishing the rights they feel were stripped away by Brexit. Our readers described frantic searches through family records, cross-border paperwork marathons, and bittersweet awakenings to long-dormant heritage. Irish citizenship was the most popular route, but many also explored their Polish, German and Italian heritage. While a few wrestled with feelings of imposter syndrome, most said the outcome was worth it – not just for smoother holidays or easier work permits, but to feel connected to Europe again. The overarching view was that Brexit took something personal – and that this wave of passport reclamation isn't just administrative – it's emotional: about agency, identity, and quietly defying the walls that went up. Here's what you had to say: Jus sanguinis Husband asserted his right to Italian citizenship on the basis of jus sanguinis, or bloodline, unbroken through his mother's family. Took about two weeks after getting a codicil on his birth certificate, as a result of which my daughter has done the same (found herself frozen out of jobs otherwise) and my son should have got around to it, having studied in Italy for six years. I will be applying on the grounds of marriage, only slightly more complicated. All of this became an issue solely because of Brexit, and I'm so annoyed that the doors have been slammed in the faces of Britons who valued EU membership. Wonderful to still have my European citizenship As someone who, years after his hair became grey, became truly interested in his Irish heritage, I can only say it's wonderful to still have my European citizenship. I can see my daughter in Holland as I please – no 90 days nonsense. I can cross any Schengen border as a true European citizen. This, as we go, for example, as a family to the Christmas fair in Oldenburg (Germany). But as we pass Mr Farage and his German-speaking family doing their Christmas shopping in Germany too, it's good to know that more people have found this loophole! Brad It feels good to say I'm Irish I can relate to Tom Harrison. My father told me many years ago that I could claim Irish citizenship because his father was Irish, but I never saw the need. But post-Brexit, I wanted to remain an EU citizen, so I went for it, and it's a much simpler task now with the advent of the internet. Despite visiting family and friends and having many holidays in Ireland over the years, I do feel a bit of a fraud. That said, I am immensely grateful to the Irish government for allowing it. I sometimes feel a little uncomfortable telling people that I'm British, but it feels good to be able to say that I'm Irish. Bionicpants Travel is what the EU is about These people are pro-EU for the right reasons: the freedom to travel, work and live all over Europe. That is what the EU is about, the Ever Closer Union. You may notice, they don't mention the nice side effects, like frictionless trade, no additional roaming, or certain subsidies. They embrace the Euro and the Schengen area. Should the UK want to join, they have to embrace the principles of the Ever Closer Union as well. It helps if you focus on what that means, instead of repeating the economic benefits. As said, those are just nice side effects. Orval Can we please have Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Grealish back? As an Irish person, it's very satisfying to hear these stories of people with Irish heritage benefiting from getting an Irish passport. Can we please have Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Grealish back as a sign of appreciation? All very pleasant chaps too from what I can see. AnonyMousse Fast lane My mother is an immigrant from an EU country, and I got an EU passport about three years ago, as a result. Interestingly, I went to Spain recently, and when spotted with my EU passport getting off a flight from Britain, they ushered me and my friend (with her British passport) through EU passport control. She went via the EU fast lane because she was with me. Prenst Switch nationality mid-flight After having lived in the UK for 18 years, Brexit made it necessary for me to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. When I now travel to my native Germany, I have to leave the UK on my British passport and arrive in Frankfurt on my German passport. As per German law, I have to use my German ID to enter/leave Germany. I could, of course, enter any other EU country on my British passport, but this would mean queuing and getting an entry stamp and then an exit stamp. When returning to the UK, I then 'switch' nationality again in mid-flight from being a German in the EU to being a Brit in the UK. On one occasion, I flew from Tenerife to London... as a German from Tenerife to Madrid and as Brit from Madrid to London. Baldrick's Plan Legal technicalities My mother is a French citizen, as is all her side of the family, with French government certificates back to the 14th century, but I am refused citizenship (despite also living and paying taxes in France for eight years). Reason: a legal technicality called desuetude. You may want to do some research before handing over a few grand to the lawyers! Frankx33 You can't complain about being considered a foreigner Britain's approach to the EU always was a "what can I get in return" one... called it cakeism. What matters is being in the slow lane, no longer being able to live and work, etc. Britain would have loved to retain all EU perks without committing. You can't complain about being considered as a foreigner while being one and expecting the same rights as EU citizens.... Europeancitizen I don't know what I would have done with just a UK passport Got my precious Irish passport a couple of years ago, thanks to my grandfather, who was born in Ireland. This has allowed me to move from Italy back to France following retirement without any issues. I don't know what I would have done with just a UK passport, as there is no mechanism for UK passport holders to move from one EU place of residence to another. Farage, Johnson, Gove, etc, should be imprisoned for the lies they told. I cannot believe that Farage is still so popular, says a lot for the intelligence of a good percentage of the UK population. Very sad. YaketyYak Keep the family in one piece with my Irish passport My father was born in Ireland in 1916. I was born in England in 1944. He was an RAF pilot. I ended up marrying a German and lived happily in Solingen (which my father's squadron bombed!) until that swine Farage stirred up his sleazy chauvinism. Thanks to my father, I was able to keep the family in one piece with my Irish passport. I am immensely grateful. And to the Germans, too, who have made me very welcome Kenhubert Heartening It is heartening to read the stories of the people who have been able to reclaim the EU citizenship stripped from them by the disgusting and mendacious Brexiteers, who have yet to apologise to the rest of us for stripping us of our rights. Sturluson Not just the young It's not just young people. Us older folk are also going for dual passports after Brexit cut off our travel freedom. My Irish grandfather has now continued to be very useful after his death! JustMeHere Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day's top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click 'log in' or 'register' in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Fine, see you in court': Fahmi Reza calls out authorities over travel ban confusion, says no one taking responsibility; vows legal action
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza has criticised the government over his recent overseas travel ban, saying no authorities have taken responsibility for the incident. In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook, Fahmi said despite government claims that there was 'no official travel restriction' against him, he was still barred from leaving the country due to what authorities described as a 'confusion during an immigration check'. 'I don't see any government body owning up to the mistake that resulted in the restriction of my freedom of movement,' he said. 'You keep saying there is 'no official ban'. But in reality, I was still blocked and denied my right to travel,' he added. Fahmi questioned the government's accountability, saying he had lost time and money because of the incident, yet no agency had taken the blame. He also pointed out the double standards in how regular citizens are swiftly prosecuted for offences, whereas authorities often escape responsibility. 'This time, it's the people's turn to drag those in power to court,' Fahmi said. He insisted that no government or authority is above the law and that citizens should not be afraid to challenge injustice. 'You always tell me to 'use the right channel', don't you? Fine, see you in court,' he said. The travel issue came to light after Fahmi was reportedly prevented from boarding an international flight yesterday. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier denied the existence of a blacklist order against Fahmi, saying there was no directive from the government to restrict his movement. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain similarly stated that police did not issue any instruction to bar Fahmi from leaving the country and attributed the matter to possible confusion at the immigration checkpoint.
Malay Mail
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Fine, see you in court': Fahmi Reza calls out authorities over travel ban confusion, says no one taking responsibility; vows legal action
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza has criticised the government over his recent overseas travel ban, saying no authorities have taken responsibility for the incident. In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook, Fahmi said despite government claims that there was 'no official travel restriction' against him, he was still barred from leaving the country due to what authorities described as a 'confusion during an immigration check'. 'I don't see any government body owning up to the mistake that resulted in the restriction of my freedom of movement,' he said. 'You keep saying there is 'no official ban'. But in reality, I was still blocked and denied my right to travel,' he added. Fahmi questioned the government's accountability, saying he had lost time and money because of the incident, yet no agency had taken the blame. He also pointed out the double standards in how regular citizens are swiftly prosecuted for offences, whereas authorities often escape responsibility. 'This time, it's the people's turn to drag those in power to court,' Fahmi said. He insisted that no government or authority is above the law and that citizens should not be afraid to challenge injustice. 'You always tell me to 'use the right channel', don't you? Fine, see you in court,' he said. The travel issue came to light after Fahmi was reportedly prevented from boarding an international flight yesterday. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier denied the existence of a blacklist order against Fahmi, saying there was no directive from the government to restrict his movement. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain similarly stated that police did not issue any instruction to bar Fahmi from leaving the country and attributed the matter to possible confusion at the immigration checkpoint.
Malay Mail
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
IGP: No official travel restriction on Fahmi Reza despite immigration confusion; name only on monitoring list
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Police today denied issuing a travel ban against activist Mohd Fahmi Reza Mohd Zarin, better known as Fahmi Reza, following claims he was prevented from leaving the country. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said Fahmi's name had only been placed on a movement monitoring list as part of an ongoing investigation. 'There is no official travel restriction imposed on Fahmi Reza at this time,' he said in a statement. He explained that the monitoring list is used for internal reference and does not equate to an actual travel ban. 'There was confusion during an immigration check at an exit point on June 7, 2025, which resulted in an incorrect instruction being issued,' he added. Police are reviewing the incident and will take appropriate steps to improve existing procedures. Razarudin said the Royal Malaysia Police remain committed to upholding Malaysians' right to freedom of movement. He said Fahmi is free to travel in and out of the country as usual, subject to any relevant regulations set by the Immigration Department or applicable laws.
