From the Iron Curtain to Fortress Europe: Understanding Borders and Belonging
By: Dr. Anna Biela 31.12.2024 Wrocław 12:03 pm
I came across the phrase “Fortress Europe” again today while scrolling through Instagram. It’s not the first time I’ve seen it, but every time, it makes me feel uneasy. It feels like being part of something huge that I have no real say in—this massive system controlling who gets in and out, with decisions being made far above my head.
Thinking about it brings up mixed emotions for me. On the one hand, I see the struggles of people trying to enter Fortress Europe today, often risking everything for a chance at a better life. On the other hand, I remember what it was like in 1987, trying to leave what felt like Fortress Soviet Union. Back then, my family and I left Europe legally, but even then, it wasn’t easy—they were trying to keep us in. Even going on vacation was a challenge.
This idea of control—whether it’s about keeping people in or keeping people out—shapes so much of the migration experience. For my family, leaving the Soviet Union was about breaking free from restrictions. It wasn’t just about finding a better life; it was about reclaiming our agency. Now, when I look at Europe’s migration policies, I wonder if people on the outside looking in feel the same longing for freedom and opportunity that we once did.
But I also know that migration raises complex issues. Europe’s open borders offer incredible freedom to those living within its limits—freedom I’ve benefited from personally. At the same time, this freedom doesn’t always extend to people trying to enter. And for those already inside, the idea of opening up further can bring fear: fear of strained resources, fear of cultural change, or fear of people exploiting the system. These concerns may not always come from a place of malice, but they’re real for many.
It’s easy to frame the conversation as one of opposites: compassion versus control, freedom versus fear. But life isn’t so black and white. Most of us want to help others, but we also want to feel safe. Most of us want freedom, but we also want structure. These aren’t contradictions—they’re the challenges of being human.
For me, these reflections also tie into the HeartFlow Art Movement, which is about energy, connection, and shared humanity. Art has the power to remind us of our common experiences—the need for safety, the desire for freedom, and the hope for belonging. These aren’t just migration issues; they’re human issues.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe in the power of conversation and creativity to bring us closer to solutions. Whether it’s through art, dialogue, or policy, we have an opportunity to create systems that balance compassion with structure—ones that save lives, honor freedom, and make space for everyone to thrive.
