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The German federal election in September 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment for the country’s immigration policies, with potential ripple effects across the European Union. As Germany faces ongoing migration challenges, the positions of political parties on this issue have taken center stage in the electoral debate.

Since the 2015 refugee crisis, Germany’s migration landscape has undergone significant shifts. In 2023, a record 200,000 individuals acquired German citizenship, with Syrians being the largest group. However, the country now hosts around 3.48 million refugees—the highest number since the 1950s—with one-third coming from Ukraine. Recent events, such as a knife attack in Solingen allegedly committed by a Syrian asylum seeker, have heightened public debate and increased pressure on the government to tighten immigration rules. This incident has further fueled discussions around migration policy, making it a pivotal issue in the election.

Political parties are approaching the migration debate in different ways. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has announced tougher migration measures in response to public pressure, attempting to balance its traditionally more open stance on immigration with growing security concerns. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU), the main opposition party, has criticized the government’s approach and is calling for stricter border controls and faster deportation processes for rejected asylum seekers. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has capitalized on anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly in eastern Germany, advocating for drastic reductions in immigration and even promoting “remigration” plans. The Green Party, typically pro-immigration, is now facing challenges in reconciling its humanitarian outlook with increasing public concerns about integration and security. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) supports more controlled immigration, focusing on attracting skilled workers while advocating for stricter deportation enforcement.

Regional disparities in attitudes toward immigration have become more pronounced, with the AfD gaining significant ground in eastern states like Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg. The party’s electoral success in these regions has put additional pressure on mainstream parties to adjust their migration policies. In response to these growing concerns, the German government has introduced several measures, including tighter border controls, expanded checks at land crossings, expedited deportation processes, and discussions about deporting individuals to countries like Syria and Afghanistan, which were previously considered too dangerous for return.

Germany’s evolving stance on immigration is likely to have significant implications for EU-wide policies. Stricter border controls in Germany could influence discussions on the Schengen agreement and external border management, while changes in asylum policy may accelerate EU negotiations on reforming the asylum system. Germany’s experience with integrating large numbers of refugees could also shape EU strategies for integration and funding.

The rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric and the electoral success of the AfD have raised concerns among migrant communities in Germany, with many feeling less welcome and uncertain about their future in the country. This growing sentiment may hinder integration efforts and affect social cohesion. At the same time, the economic impact of migration remains a key consideration. Germany’s aging population and labor shortages in vital sectors make immigration essential for economic stability. Balancing public concerns with the economic need for migrants will be a significant challenge for the next government.

Written by: Nenad Stekić