The Legacy of Angela Merkel's Migration Policy: A Decade of Change in Germany

On August 31, 2015, German Chancellor Angela Merkel famously declared “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do this”), marking a pivotal moment in European migration history. This statement came as Germany opened its borders to a significant influx of refugees fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In the following year, Germany received over 440,000 asylum applications, contributing to a total of 2.6 million first-time asylum requests registered from 2015 to 2024, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

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The initial welcoming sentiment, encapsulated in the concept of Willkommenskultur (welcome culture), has since faced considerable backlash. The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which capitalized on growing anti-immigration sentiment, reflects a significant political shift. The AfD became the largest opposition party in Germany, gaining traction as public opinion turned against Merkel's policies. An ARD poll indicated that support for accepting fewer refugees rose from 38% in 2015 to 68% in 2025.

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Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took office in May 2025, has responded to this shift by announcing sweeping changes to migration policy, including increased border controls and the deportation of asylum seekers. Merz acknowledged the challenges of the previous policies, stating, “We clearly did not cope with it. That is exactly why we’re trying to fix it.”

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The consequences of Merkel's decision have been profound, reshaping German society. While many migrants have successfully integrated, challenges remain. Data from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) shows that nearly two-thirds of refugees from the 2015 wave had jobs by 2022, yet unemployment rates among this group were still significantly higher than the national average.

Ten years on: How Europe’s 2015 migration wave redefined societies

The social fabric has also been affected, with rising crime rates and tensions linked to cultural integration. Incidents such as the mass sexual assaults in Cologne during New Year’s Eve 2015 intensified scrutiny of migrant communities and fueled anti-immigrant narratives.

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Critics argue that Merkel's open-door policy was poorly planned and executed. Experts like Daniel Thym, a law professor, suggest that the sheer volume of migrants overwhelmed Germany's capacity to integrate them effectively. Merkel herself has acknowledged the polarization her policies caused, stating, “The fact that I did this has polarized people, has led them to join the AfD.”

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As of 2025, the number of asylum applications in Germany has dramatically decreased, with only 29,000 applications recorded in the first half of the year. This decline is attributed to the new stringent measures implemented by Merz's government. Meanwhile, the European Union is working on a new migration pact aimed at restoring control over borders and managing future migration flows.

Ten years on: How Europe’s 2015 migration wave redefined societies

• “Merkel rarely makes public appearances these days, but in a documentary released this month by German public broadcaster ARD, she said: “I simply realized that it was a big task.” — Angela Merkel, Former Chancellor of Germany

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• “We clearly did not cope with it. That is exactly why we’re trying to fix it,” — Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany

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• “The fact that I did this has polarized people, has led them to join the AfD, which I don’t agree with, but they have done so and the AfD has certainly become stronger as a result.” — Angela Merkel, Former Chancellor of Germany

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The legacy of Merkel's migration policy continues to influence German politics and society, highlighting the complexities and challenges of managing large-scale migration in a rapidly changing world.

Ten years on: How Europe’s 2015 migration wave redefined societies