The aircraft will serve short to medium haul cities, with Bahrain as its inaugural destination
aviation2 hours ago
Germany may have welcomed refugees with open arms but it is already overwhelmed by the numbers. The larger problem facing Germany is that most of Europe does not share its enthusiasm due to domestic issues. Politically, there is fear of a far-right return riding on anti-migrant sentiment.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the migration crisis is unworthy of Europe. Despite relaxing rules, it is becoming unmanageable to feed and shelter the thousands flooding the country. Europe today is home to unending queues where the destitute line up for government doles, unsure of their fate.
Berlin has led from the front; Austria has pitched in, but there's no common European voice. East Europe has concerns because the region is poorer than the rest. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble has made it clear that the cost of accepting refugees would not ruin Germany; it just would force budget drafters to consider "other priorities".
The fact that a majority of Europe does not share Germany's views to take in migrants compounds Berlin's woes. Morally, Europe should accept people, but most of Europe does not have the money or the resources to deal with the crisis. Germany also knows it cannot spend its way out of trouble. It should rope in more partners, which it has not been able to do so far. France and UK, have offered to help, but have commitment phobia - domestic policy playing on their minds. Austria, Denmark and Sweden, Germany's only real allies, are bit players. Spain and Portugal are only sending the right signals.
An open Germany may be the go-to destination for refugees. What they don't realise is that while Germany is willing, Europe is weak.
The aircraft will serve short to medium haul cities, with Bahrain as its inaugural destination
aviation2 hours ago
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