Videos of thousands of young men swimming towards Spanish shores went viral on social media, anti-migrant panic once again spread through the continent. European authorities were quick to send troops to the beach and borders, and call for the suspension of Schengen agreement with Spain until all people were deported back to Morocco – which was achieved in the following days. At least 141 people drowned in their attempt to reach European soil.
To the despair of people hoping for a better future, for a possible life, more and more weaponized by foreign governments, from Belarus to Turkey, and now, Morocco, Europe thus answers with soldiers and fences. In the cynical game of global politics, migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees have become a powerful tool of external pressure on European governments and internal scapegoating for civil societies – who have the power to fight back.
Amidst increasing tensions between Ukrainian and Polish governments, stirring anti-Ukrainian sentiment amongst the Polish population, Polish refugee relief organisations mobilized the public opinion and managed to collect more than 2 million zlotys to support Ukrainian refugees, whose special status was repealed by a law passed in September 2025. Agnieszka Kosowicz, founder and President of the Polish Migration Forum Foundation and AWoN practitioner, initiated the movement. I sat down with her and listened as she took me on the frontline of Polish (anti-)migration politics. I hope you will be as inspired and humbled by her words and strength as I was.
In our struggle against Fortress Europe, we need to share experiences and strategies, collectively reflect on achievements and shortcomings. In our building of a World of Neighbours, we will keep on telling the other story.
Aude Sathoud, Co-Director
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