From 'We Can Do It' to Drawbridge: Europe's Migrant Crisis Journey

Tue Oct 21 2025 06:31:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Explore how Europe's approach to migration shifted over the years, from welcoming asylum seekers to tightening borders, and the implications of these changes.

In the summer of 2015, Europe experienced a historic surge of over a million migrants fleeing conflict in regions like Syria and Afghanistan. Initially embraced by politicians like Angela Merkel with the phrase 'We can do it', public sentiment rapidly changed, leading to stricter border controls and rising support for far-right parties across Europe, especially in countries like Hungary and Sweden. The ongoing humanitarian challenges and complex migration dynamics continue to shape Europe's political landscape and asylum policies today.

Chronicles of Change

In the summer of 2015, the Greek island of Lesbos became the focal point for thousands of migrants arriving from war-torn countries. Paris Laoumis, a hotelier, recalls the surreal experience of witnessing multiple small boats arriving shoreward, carrying people from Syria, Afghanistan, and other crises. The scene marked the start of unprecedented migration into Europe, setting a dramatic tone for the continent's geopolitical stance towards humanitarian crises.

Initially embraced with open arms by leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who famously remarked 'wir schaffen das' ('we can do it'), the influx was soon overshadowed by rising nationalism and security concerns. Just months later, Merkel's words became a political liability as the surge led to strict border controls across Europe.

The Shift in Attitudes

Fast forward to 2023, many countries have since pulled up the drawbridge, influenced by the emergence of far-right political parties amid a backdrop of economic tension and public fears of security. Nations like Hungary and Sweden have adopted stringent policies that reflect a complete turnaround from the initial acceptance that characterized 2015. Hungary's government has forged a path of strict border enforcement, creating barriers to entry that have drawn criticism from human rights advocates.

In Sweden, once a symbol of compassion, public sentiment has shifted dramatically, with rising support for right-wing parties influencing restrictive migration policies. Promises of family reunification and permanent residency for migrants are becoming harder to navigate, creating a divide among communities.

The Human Cost

Despite the decreasing arrival numbers, the migration issue remains pressing and complex. The UN highlights the grim reality of human trafficking and the immense peril faced by those attempting to reach European shores. With over 32,000 lives lost over a decade, policymakers grapple with challenges of balancing humanitarian responsibility with national security.

Today, families, like that of Syrian refugee Abdulmenem Alsatouf in Sweden, reflect on their journey with mixed emotions. While they recall the initial warmth of the community, they now view a landscape clouded by societal change, where fear and misunderstanding will continue to test European values in the years to come.