A June 16 article carried by the EUobserver.com reported that “EU leaders have agreed they must find some common principles on how to tackle immigration, with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel stressing that immigrants must accept some European values if they want to settle in the continent.”

According to Schussel, “It is very important for somebody who is coming to our countries to learn the language and sign up to the values, the human rights, the position of women, the rule of law. There is no compromise on this.”

Speaking on behalf of EU leadership, Schussel has identified a major problem facing the EU: Europe must protect its heritage or face losing it to incoming immigrants unwilling to adopt European traditions. Now, European leaders appear resolved to tackle the issue. But why tackle this problem now after so many years of apathy?

Consider the provocations: the murder of a famous Dutch filmmaker by a radical Muslim; the Madrid train bombing; the London bombings; the French Muslim riots; the Danish cartoon row—these events jarringly awoke Europe to the fact that within its borders is a very different, non-European culture.

European leaders face two problems: 1) securing Europe’s borders from illegal immigrants; and 2) integrating migrants into Europe’s culture. It is the latter that motivated Schussel. Europe is beginning to take a dim view of the fact that its ancient Catholic-inspired culture and traditions are going the way of the dinosaur. To stop the culture bleed will require decisive leadership.

Perhaps a robust Germany, poised to assume the EU presidency in 2007, will suggest using its new immigrant laws as a basis for the European model. In January 2005, Germany passed laws that require its immigrants to integrate into German culture or face heavy consequences, including forfeiting residence permits or social handouts. Could this strong law serve as a model for the rest of Europe?

If current trends continue, Europe’s blithe 60-year multicultural tolerance could be at an end.