German support for integration loses steam, education concerns rise

BERLIN

Germans have become more skeptical about integration efforts, particularly in the education system, according to a new report released Tuesday.

The Integration Climate Index, prepared by the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR), has revealed that while most Germans still view integration efforts positively, support has declined since 2022.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, SVR Chairman Prof. Hans Vorlaender said the Integration Climate Index now stands at 66.3 points out of 100 – matching levels from four years ago but down from 68.5 points in 2022.

“The results show a nuanced picture: while people express greater skepticism in some areas, they also see improvements in others. The respondents clearly distinguish between body_abstract debates and their personal experiences in their immediate environment,” he said.

The decline was primarily driven by more negative assessments from Germans without migration backgrounds, particularly in education and neighborhood relations.

The survey highlighted positive developments in workplace integration and social relationships. However, growing skepticism emerged about the education system's capacity to handle cultural diversity, with only 55% of native Germans willing to send their children to schools with diverse migrant populations – down from 65.2% two years ago.

The survey also examined attitudes toward refugees. Despite current challenges, the survey found continued strong support among the population for providing asylum to those fleeing political persecution or war. More than two-thirds of respondents said that they believe refugees will culturally enrich Germany in the long term, though economic concerns have increased amid recession fears.

The comprehensive study, conducted between November 2023 and July 2024, surveyed 15,020 people across Germany, including both native Germans and those with various migration backgrounds.