The refugee crisis in the European Union (EU) continues to grow as people seek safety from conflict, violence, and persecution in their home countries. New policies across Europe are affecting how and where refugees can apply for asylum, often increasing the challenges they face on their journey. With changing regulations and a rising number of people seeking refuge, charities and humanitarian organisations are facing mounting pressure to provide support in this complex and evolving landscape.
Current Global Refugee Situation: A Growing Crisis
As of June 2024, over 122.6 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, and persecution. This number continues to rise, with 37.8 million refugees alone showing no signs of slowing down. These refugees fall into various categories, including internally displaced persons, asylum-seekers, UNHCR refugees, Palestinian refugees under UNRWA, and others who are in urgent need of international protection.
The challenges faced by refugees are immense as they seek refuge in neighbouring countries. However, Europe is also feeling the pressure as the number of displaced people continues to rise. Since 2020, EU+ countries (EU Member States plus Norway and Switzerland) have seen a marked increase in asylum applications.
The number of asylum applications per country in the EU in 2022 (Asylum migration in the EU).
Rising Asylum Applications in the EU: What You Need to Know
As asylum applications rise, particularly in countries like Germany, France, Austria, and Spain, the European Union faces increasing pressure to respond. Governments are adjusting their policies and procedures to address the growing numbers, but these changes have significant implications for refugees. As nations shift their approach, refugees face even more barriers to obtaining safety and support, making their journeys more challenging than ever.
New EU Regulations on Asylum and Migration
In response to the rising number of refugees, the Council of the European Union adopted a new pact in May 2024 aimed at reforming the European asylum and migration system. This includes ten new legislative acts designed to streamline asylum procedures, improve security, and establish clear responsibilities among EU countries.
Some of the most important reforms include:
New Screening Method: A standardised process for identity, security, vulnerability, and health checks.
Mandatory Border Procedure: A system where refugees are not allowed entry into the EU until their asylum applications are assessed.
Determining Responsibility: A system to allocate asylum responsibility to specific EU member states.
Solidarity Mechanism: A plan to ensure all EU countries contribute to the asylum process through relocation, financial contributions, or alternative measures.
National Border Control Measures: Impact on Refugees
As asylum policies evolve, individual EU countries have implemented their own national measures. Since September 2024, Germany introduced temporary border controls in response to the large number of asylum seekers, including over 1.2 million refugees from the war in Ukraine. These measures are intended to maintain security but have had a severe impact on refugees.
Stricter border controls have led to the detection of over 52,000 illegal border entries at the borders of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland, leaving many refugees stuck in these countries or forced to find dangerous alternative routes to safety. These policies are putting even more strain on an already overwhelmed system.
How Charities Are Supporting Refugees
With the rise in violence and instability forcing more refugees to seek safety and stricter border controls, the humanitarian community faces an ever-growing challenge. The winter months only amplify the difficulties refugees face as the conditions worsen and the demand for essential services grows. Humanitarian organisations like Indigo Volunteers are stepping in to provide vital assistance, helping to bridge the gaps in resources and support that refugees urgently need during these challenging times.
We collaborate with over 40 trusted charity partners across the EU, all working tirelessly to offer immediate and long-term relief. Our partners provide a wide range of services, such as:
Shelter and Warm Clothing: Ensuring refugees have a safe place to stay and access to essential clothing to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Meals and Medical Care: Offering food, healthcare, and other critical services refugees urgently need to regain their strength and well-being.
Social Support: Creating safe spaces where refugees can connect, share their stories, and find some relief from the trauma they’ve endured.
But the needs go beyond just basic survival. Volunteers play an essential role in helping to deliver these services effectively and humanely. They offer not only physical assistance but also emotional support, giving refugees a sense of dignity and hope in the face of adversity.
Ways You Can Help Refugees Today
We know that the situation can feel overwhelming, but there are concrete actions you can take to make a difference:
Raise Awareness: Use your voice to spread awareness about the refugee crisis and the work of organisations like Indigo Volunteers. Sharing information helps mobilise more people to take action.
Volunteer: If you’re looking to make a direct impact, consider volunteering with one of our partners. Many of our partners across the EU are in need of volunteers, and we facilitate these connections.
Donate: Consider donating to organisations like Indigo Volunteers, which connect skilled volunteers with charities providing essential support—shelter, food, medical care, and more—to refugees in need.
Support Refugees This Winter
This winter, your support can make a real impact. We're participating in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, where every donation you make will be DOUBLED.
The funds raised will help us address the critical gaps in resources, capacity, and visibility our partner charities face in supporting refugees. Many of these charities are under increasing pressure to meet the rising demand for aid due to volunteer shortages and limited resources. They also face challenges in accessing the training, support, and infrastructure needed to operate sustainably, all while operating in an environment where media visibility and awareness of the refugee crisis are decreasing.
Every donation made between December 3-10 will be matched, allowing us to provide essential resources, training, and support to our partners and refugees in need. With your help, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
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