Dutch MEP Marieke Ehlers (Patriots for Europe) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission challenging the conclusion of the 10th European Migration Forum that migrants make a positive economic contribution. Citing Statistics Netherlands data showing increased welfare dependency among non-European migrants and research by Dr Jan van de Beek estimating a lifetime cost of €800,000 per asylum seeker, Ehlers questions the factual basis of the Forum's finding.
The question, dated 22 May 2026, asks the Commission to reconcile the Forum's positive economic assessment with Dutch figures on rising social assistance reliance. It also seeks the Commission's view on Van de Beek's cost estimate and whether it acknowledges that asylum migration overall imposes a net cost on welfare states. Ehlers requests specific independent figures on asylum seekers' economic impact and asks whether the Commission is willing to commission further research.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up
The question reflects a sceptical stance on the economic benefits of asylum migration, emphasising fiscal costs to host states. It calls for evidence that would either support or refute the Forum's conclusion, with a focus on welfare dependency and long-term costs. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it stands by the Forum's positive framing or engages with the critical data presented by the MEP. The reply may also indicate openness to further study on the economic impact of asylum seekers specifically, as opposed to all migrants.
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