On Human Rights and  Earning €2 Trillion a Year

Behind Borderless thoughts

What if we thought and acted without borders? It is a radical yet deceptively simple question—one that holds the potential to transform on many levels. To think borderless means to see humanity as one, transcending divisions of geography, nationality, or culture. To act borderless means to collaborate, innovate, and share as a global family, harnessing the collective power of diverse perspectives to solve the challenges we face as a planet.

The case for a borderless mindset is rooted in empathy and logic. Borders often reinforce the idea of “us versus them,” creating unnecessary barriers in an interconnected world. Climate change knows no borders. Pandemics sweep across continents indiscriminately. Economic disparities ripple across nations, affecting markets and migration flows worldwide. These are not local problems—they are human problems. To address them requires cooperation, not division.

Practically, we could think of a borderless Europe as a living blueprint. The Schengen Agreement already allows people to travel passport-free across much of the continent, facilitating cultural exchange, economic growth, and shared prosperity. But what if this spirit of unity expanded further? What if we embraced a mindset where collaboration came before the competition and human potential was seen as a resource, not a threat?

This vision isn’t about ignoring differences; it’s about celebrating them. A scientist in Poland and an artist in Morocco bring distinct ideas to the table, and in a borderless world, they could collaborate effortlessly. Shared challenges like climate adaptation and renewable energy demand the kind of diverse problem-solving that only a borderless approach can offer.

Acting borderless also reframes freedom. Imagine a refugee fleeing war; how many borders and obstacles does it have to face, encounter barbed wires, endless bureaucracy, or rejection, but instead find refuge and purpose. Imagine a migrant not as a threat but as a future doctor, teacher, or entrepreneur whose contributions strengthen the community that welcomes them.

This is not just an idealistic vision but one rooted in shared humanity and untapped potential. Thinking and acting without borders forces us to confront our fears, challenge our assumptions, and recognize that our greatest achievements—whether in science, the arts, or social progress—are born from collaboration, not isolation.

A borderless world invites us to believe in the power of humanity united, not divided.

The Human Rights Perspective

Borders, Fences, and the Right to Freedom

Borders and fences starkly contrast the fundamental human rights principles, which uphold every individual’s inherent dignity and equality. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 13) affirms the right of every person to freedom of movement and residence within and beyond their country of origin. It recognises the earth as a shared home, not one divided by artificial lines.

Yet, the proliferation of physical, legal, and ideological barriers denies millions of people this fundamental right. Fences, border walls, and restrictive migration policies reduce human beings to statistics, stripping them of their stories, struggles, and aspirations. They imply that one’s worth is determined not by character or potential but by place of birth. These borders perpetuate inequality, limiting opportunities for those born into disadvantaged circumstances and denying them the chance to seek safety, freedom, and dignity.

Imagine a Europe without labour shortages in critical healthcare, agriculture, and technology sectors. Refugees and migrants, through hard work and innovation, could revitalise industries, fill skill gaps, and foster groundbreaking advancements. Their entrepreneurial spirit would create thriving businesses, generate employment, and invigorate local economies. With equitable opportunities, their tax contributions alone could fund schools, infrastructure, and public services for future generations.

In a world facing global crises such as climate change, political instability, and economic inequality, the right to move freely is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity. Restrictive borders often exacerbate the very challenges they aim to address, creating bottlenecks of human suffering while hindering the potential for global cooperation and shared prosperity.

Beyond Borders

Freedom as a Shared Human Experience

Borders are not just physical; they are psychological and emotional constructs that divide us. A world without barriers, where people can move and connect freely, aligns with the universal yearning for freedom to explore, create, and connect without fear or prejudice.

The right to freedom of movement is more than a legal or political concept—it is the foundation of human potential. When people are free to move, they bring with them not just their labour but their cultures, ideas, and innovations. They enrich societies, challenge prejudices, and create spaces where humanity thrives in diversity.

By dismantling borders, Europe could set a global standard for human rights. It would uphold the principle that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. A borderless Europe represents hope, opportunity, and justice—a world where everyone can pursue a better life and contribute to the common good. This vision can inspire us all to work towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

A World Beyond Fences

No barriers mean more than open borders—they mean open minds, hearts, and futures. Fences and walls may provide the illusion of security, but they undermine the shared human right to freedom, dignity, and equality.

In our next chapter, we will elaborate on the health and potential economic benefits of a world beyond fences.

Share your thoughts while keeping an open mind.

Andric van Es