Germany Records 2.6 Million Asylum Seekers Since 2015 Refugee Surge

In 2015, Germany took a historic step by opening its borders to a large influx of refugees, mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, marking the largest movement of people in Europe since World War II. Chancellor Angela Merkel's initial welcoming stance, epitomized by her 'Wir schaffen das' ('We can do it') declaration, sparked both widespread support and later political polarization, with opposition parties like AfD gaining strength amid growing public concern over migration. Over the decade, Germany recorded nearly 2.6 million first-time asylum applications, influencing migration policies that shifted toward stricter border control and tougher asylum procedures under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who criticized Merkel's optimistic approach. The migration crisis deeply affected Germany's political scene, social dynamics, and public opinion, with support for accepting refugees dropping from 62% in 2015 to about 32% ten years later. Despite challenges, including integration issues and isolated violent incidents, many migrants have contributed positively to Germany's labor market and cultural diversity. The broader European experience mirrors Germany's, with countries tightening entry rules and public attitudes hardening in response to ongoing migration pressures.