From welcome to wary: Europe's divide on migration
Feb 20, 2025
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Jess Parker, BBC's Berlin correspondent, sheds light on Germany's shifting stance on migration since the 2015 crisis, highlighting a Syrian family's struggles with integration amidst rising far-right sentiments. Mark Lowen, a former Southern Europe correspondent, discusses newly established migration routes and the political fallout in Italy. They explore the divided views across Europe on migration policy, the challenges of identity politics, and the lasting impact of the migrant experience in shaping public sentiment.
The public discourse in Germany has shifted from welcoming immigrants to concerns about public safety and illegal immigration ahead of elections.
Personal narratives, like that of Alia and her son Rami, illustrate the challenges of integration amidst rising societal tensions and discrimination.
Deep dives
The Changing Landscape of Migration in Germany
Migration has become a significant issue in Germany, particularly as elections approach. The public discourse has evolved from an initial focus on welcoming immigrants to newer concerns about public safety and illegal immigration. High-profile incidents, such as knife attacks involving asylum seekers, have intensified scrutiny on foreign-born residents and fueled discussions about integration. As a result, migration now ranks alongside the economy as a pivotal topic influencing voter sentiment in the upcoming elections.
Personal Stories of Refugee Families
The journey of Alia and her son Rami illustrates the personal impact of migration policies. Arriving in Germany during the peak of the migration crisis, Alia has faced challenges in integrating, particularly regarding employment due to cultural attire and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, she expresses gratitude for the opportunities available to her family, emphasizing her son’s seamless adaptation and fluency in German. This narrative highlights both the resilience of individuals in the face of societal changes and the ongoing complexities surrounding acceptance and integration.
Political Implications and Broader European Context
The political ramifications of migration are felt across Europe, with far-right parties gaining traction by leveraging migration as a core issue. In Germany, parties like the Alternative for Deutschland are capitalizing on public concern over immigration, impacting the political landscape dramatically. Similar sentiments are echoed in Italy, where the government has implemented strict migration policies and proposed controversial plans to address migrant arrivals. As migration continues to be a hot-button issue, it shapes national identities and influences political alignments across the continent.
A decade of migration through the eyes of a German city. Ten years ago Germany opened its borders to more than a million people at the height of Europe’s so-called migrant crisis. A decade later, that warm welcome has cooled as issues of culture, integration and national identity spark fierce debate across the continent. With German elections just days away, the BBC has revisited one migrant family and the city they landed in, to see how life has changed since 2015 – and what their experience says about the way Europeans now view migration.
On this episode, Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC’s Berlin correspondent Jess Parker, and Mark Lowen, the BBC’s former southern Europe correspondent who covered the refugee crisis for years.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie
Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: China Collins
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