Berlin
The city state sues for its right to take in refugees
Key Takeaways
- 1
Federal states in Germany can make a difference by using their powers to interpret national legislation in favour of refugees.
- 2
Berlin has pioneered programmes in housing, healthcare and independent advice that could easily be implemented by more cities and federal states in Germany.
What is unique about the city?
Interpreting federal law in favour of migrant interests: Following the state election in 2016, the city’s Senate commissioned lawyers and representatives from anti-racist civil society groups to determine how the city should implement federal immigration regulations in the interest of migrants. The Senate then instructed city authorities to use whatever discretionary powers allowed by federal law to benefit those most affected. Berlin is also the first state in Germany to take legal action to fight for its right to take in refugees from other federal states.
What are the greatest achievements so far?
Improved access to healthcare, housing, and advice: Following the Berlin Senate’s mandate, the city has increased access to housing for asylum seekers. It has also extended access to healthcare for anyone, regardless of official immigration status. It also offers impartial advice for asylum seekers early on. Particularly vulnerable groups receive special support from a system jointly developed between the Senate and specialised advice centres.
What are the key factors?
A left coalition and strong civil society: Berlin is both Germany’s capital and largest city, with a liberal political culture and strong civil society. Its status as a city-state, governed by a left-leaning coalition of Social Democrats (SPD), Greens (Grüne), and Left (Linke) made it a place where progressive reception policy approaches can be tested. However, this government was replaced in April 2023 by a coalition between the CDU (Conservatives) and the SPD (Social Democrats), from whom a less progressive migration policy is expected.
Political activities and advocacy beyond the city level
Berlin is active both at the national level and in international networks in its endeavour to push legal frameworks in migration policy in a more inclusive direction. At the national level, Berlin has been at the forefront of local resettlement campaigns since the surge of the Seebrücke movement in 2018, and is pushing for more city-based and regional autonomy on questions of migrant intake.
Member of the following networks
Download the full city report
The city report contains more information about the city’s migration and inclusion policies and selected local approaches. Report from 2021, updated in 2023.