Germany Marks 10 Years Since Merkel’s “We’ll Manage It” Refugee Pledge
Berlin: Ten years ago, in 2015, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel made her defining statement “Wir schaffen das” (“We’ll manage it”) as Germany opened its doors to hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing war and persecution. On this anniversary, Germany is reflecting on the impact of that decision. According to DW’s analysis, the past decade has…
Berlin: Ten years ago, in 2015, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel made her defining statement “Wir schaffen das” (“We’ll manage it”) as Germany opened its doors to hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing war and persecution.
On this anniversary, Germany is reflecting on the impact of that decision. According to DW’s analysis, the past decade has seen both progress and persistent challenges in integration. Many refugees have entered education systems and the labor market, contributing to the economy, while others still struggle with language barriers and social acceptance.
Politically, the statement remains one of the most debated in modern German history—praised by supporters as a symbol of humanitarian leadership and criticized by opponents who argue it deepened polarization and fueled the rise of far-right movements.
As Europe faces renewed migration pressures today, Merkel’s words continue to resonate, shaping Germany’s identity and its role in global humanitarian responsibility.
