One-Third of German Municipalities Report Struggling to Support Refugees

A new study highlights housing shortages, strained resources, and rising public resistance as key challenges for local governments.

A survey of nearly 600 municipalities found that 34.6% are operating in 'crisis mode,' with 5% describing their situation as 'overwhelmed' or in 'emergency mode.'
The primary challenge cited is the severe lack of affordable housing, forcing some municipalities to rely on temporary solutions like containers and sports halls.
Other significant issues include insufficient funding, limited access to integration and language courses, and gaps in healthcare and early childhood education services.
Despite the difficulties, many municipalities praise the contributions of volunteer networks and civil society groups, though signs of volunteer fatigue are emerging.
Local governments are calling for increased federal and state support, including more funding and investments in social housing, to address the ongoing crisis.