Angela Merkel opens doors to over a million asylum seekers in 2015

In August 2015, German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a unilateral decision to allow more than a million asylum seekers to enter Germany, acting without prior consultations. This decision came amid a time of significant migration, as people traveled from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and various African nations, especially through Turkey and the Balkans, seeking refuge in Western Europe. The flood of migrants into Germany posed substantial political and social challenges, leading to immense demographic changes not just within Germany, but throughout the entire European Union as well. As migrants arrived, discussions about their security and the resources required to support their integration began to emerge. Many of the migrants expressed their intentions to settle in Germany, viewing it as a promised land due to Merkel's open invitation. They perceived other transit countries, like Hungary, as temporary stops and faced numerous hardships, including dangerous journeys and inadequate living conditions. This influx sparked fears regarding national security since the exact identities and backgrounds of many migrants remained unknown. It also led to the rise of anti-immigrant sentiments and political movements in Germany and beyond, most notably the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party that capitalized on concerns about immigration. As the humanitarian crisis unfolded, various individuals within a variety of European nations - including Serbia and Hungary - took it upon themselves to provide assistance to the arriving migrants. Volunteers offered food, clothing, and basic support in camps that were often overcrowded and lacked adequate facilities. Their efforts reflected a strong humanitarian impulse, even as governments implemented stricter border controls in response to the situation. The complexity of the crisis highlighted the ongoing debate about migration policies in Europe, reflecting the contrasting attitudes towards asylum seekers among various member states. Ultimately, the refugee crisis of 2015 has left a long-lasting impact on European societies, shaping public opinion and government policies regarding migration to this day. The lives of countless individuals were forever changed, while the political landscape in Europe evolved in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by this unprecedented migration wave.