Immigration of refugees into Northwest Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom

Abstract

In 2016, over 900,000 migrants applied for asylum in six countries of northwestern Europe. However, the chances of being granted international protection differ strikingly among EU member states and also in northwestern Europe. The growth in the number of (first-time) asylum applications and first-instance decisions will be compared variously between Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Next, the refugee policies of these member states will be described with reference to their asylum laws, procedures, any reforms, and the integration of asylum seekers and people under international protection. The focus will then shift to (global) civic education in northwestern Europe. The recent influx of refugees points out the significance of managing an increasing diversity of life circumstances and cultural backgrounds within the six member states.