A Decade Later: What Have We Learned? Reflecting on the Refugee Crisis
The refugee crisis that hit Europe a decade ago, the decisions made then, and the slogan 'Wir schaffen das' – this collection of articles explores their present-day impact and reflects on societal capacity for acceptance. 🌍

Hello everyone! How much attention are you paying to current world affairs? Recently, I came across articles about the refugee crisis that shook Europe 10 years ago, which led me to reflect on that period once again. There were in-depth discussions about the shadows cast by those decisions on our society today, and whether the 'culture of welcome' at the time was successful. 🤔
Mikl-Leitner: „Hätten Menschen stoppen müssen“
Johanna Mikl-Leitner, the former governor of Styria, expressed her candid feelings about the decisions made back then. She stated, “We should have stopped people,” referring to the situation in September 2015 when countless refugees crossed the Hungarian border.
Admitting that the situation was very urgent and they couldn't control those crossing the border, she added, “We acted too late, and perhaps we should have stopped many people.” This statement reflects deep introspection regarding the difficulties in the decision-making process for refugee policies at the time and its consequences.
Zehn Jahre Flüchtlingskrise: Ist die Willkommenskultur gescheitert? (2/2)
This article questions whether the 'culture of welcome' from that time has truly been successful, now that a decade has passed. In 2015, Europe welcomed an unprecedented number of refugees. Many countries and civil societies warmly received them, creating a 'culture of welcome'.
However, the article raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this welcoming culture and whether there were unexpected difficulties in the integration process. It sheds light on the hidden problems behind the welcoming culture, such as social tensions, economic burdens, and conflicts arising from cultural differences, analyzing the impact of those decisions on the present day from multiple perspectives.
In particular, it offers a critical view on the social impact and effectiveness of Germany's slogan 'Wir schaffen das' (We can do it). While the intentions were positive, the article points out the gap between the slogan and the practical realities, providing an opportunity to consider what lessons these experiences can offer for future refugee policies.
10 Jahre Flüchtlingskrise: Die Folgen von "Wir schaffen das"
This article focuses on the famous slogan “Wir schaffen das” announced by then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel on August 31, 2015. This statement caused a significant stir in German society at the time and contributed to fostering a positive atmosphere for refugee reception.
The article details the complex consequences this slogan brought about in the actual process of refugee integration, going beyond a mere declaration. It presents a balanced view, highlighting positive aspects such as refugees entering the job market and their role in education systems, alongside negative outcomes like a slower-than-expected integration process, social conflicts, and the rise of far-right parties.
Furthermore, it illustrates the changes German society has undergone since 2015 with specific figures and examples, deeply exploring the gap between the optimism inherent in the 'Wir schaffen das' slogan and the practical challenges. Through this article, we can glimpse how decisions made 10 years ago, beyond mere policy, have had a profound impact on a society's identity and future. 🧐
What are your thoughts on this refugee crisis from 10 years ago and the decisions made then? Do you believe the 'culture of welcome' was successful, or was a different approach needed? Please share your valuable opinions in the comments. 🙏
Through these articles, we can reflect on past experiences and deeply consider the path our society should take in the present and future. May both past mistakes and successes serve as valuable assets for our future. What do you think?