You built bridges to connect, damnit

For years, it has not been with little pride that I told people about The Bridge. Nope, not the tv series with the same name at the same place but the actual building that connects two countries. It was never without a grin that I told people I needed to book flights from Copenhagen, not from Stockholm, because it often takes me, literally, only 40 minutes from my front door to the gate. I made a face at the fact that I had to apply for visas in Stockholm when it made much more sense to go to Copenhagen, or to Berlin straight away. First world problem, I know.

For years, this however was the only thing I didn't quite understand why it should be so complicated in this integrated, truly European region that we lived in. And as I never really understood the concept of boarders as opposed to free movement and the right to a passport I now have a terribly hard time. Because as of today, there will be ID checks on the other side of The Bridge to stop individuals without papers to enter the country and which in return rebuild walls we demolished a long time ago. It fails me to see the point. It costs a hell of a lot of money (don't mind the swearing) that could be put towards a worthy reception of refugees in either country instead. It goes against the principles of individual choice, free movement and the right to seek refuge. And it certainly stabs the idea of an integrated region in its heart.

So here's to standing up against this decision, exercising our democratic rights to change decisions made on our behalf and to be able to remember these ID checks as a decision that was only in place a very short time but reminded us of what we cherish the most - our hospitality towards people from all across the globe and how we first and foremost value the freedom of movement, across boarders.