US political figure Pete Hegseth sparked controversy after using a D-Day memorial speech in Normandy to criticise Europe’s migration policies. His remarks came during commemorations marking the 82nd anniversary of the Allied landings in World War II.
During the address, Hegseth compared modern migration flows into Europe with what he described as an “invasion,” referring to boats reaching countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. He said Europe now faces different threats compared to the wartime era remembered on D-Day.
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Furthermore, he argued that the legacy of D-Day requires modern generations to protect freedoms secured during World War II. He warned that European societies risk becoming too comfortable with those freedoms if they fail to address current political and social challenges.
Migration has become a deeply divisive issue across Europe, with political debate intensifying over border control and asylum policies. In several countries, hardline parties have gained support as public concern over migration continues to shape national elections.
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Meanwhile, his comments align with broader messaging from senior figures in the Trump political circle, who have increasingly focused on migration issues in Europe. Similar remarks by US officials have drawn criticism from European governments, especially when linked to violent incidents.
Overall, migration remains a persistent policy challenge across Europe, with ongoing sea crossings along Mediterranean and Channel routes. Although numbers have fluctuated since the 2015 crisis, migration continues to influence political discourse and public debate across the continent.