Study finds widespread discrimination against EU citizens in Germany

2026-03-04 - 04:52

A recent study has found that many citizens from other European Union countries living in Germany face significant discrimination and feelings of exclusion. The research, commissioned by the German government and conducted by the University of Tübingen, indicates that a large majority of EU migrants report being treated as outsiders in German society. Alarming Statistics on Perceived Disadvantage The study's lead researcher, Bernhard Boockmann, revealed stark findings regarding the integration of EU nationals. According to the survey, only 23% of respondents stated that they had never felt disadvantaged or excluded while living in Germany. In contrast, 63% reported experiencing these feelings rarely or occasionally, while a concerning 14% said they faced discrimination frequently or very frequently. Boockmann noted that many respondents expressed practical concerns directly tied to their employment status. Workplace Exploitation and Credential Non-Recognition German officials highlighted specific economic sectors where discrimination is particularly acute. Natalie Pawlik, the Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration and a Bundestag member, criticized the treatment of workers in fields such as elderly care. She pointed out that many employees from other EU nations are forced to work below their qualification levels because their professional credentials are not recognized in Germany. This practice effectively bars skilled workers from positions matching their expertise, trapping them in lower-paying jobs. Barred from Integration and Language Courses Commissioner Pawlik also condemned policies that exclude EU citizens from state-funded integration and language programs. She argued that access to language instruction is essential for "social participation and upward mobility" within German society. These restrictions, she noted, affect approximately 130,000 people, including around 37,000 EU citizens, who are now denied courses that were previously available. This policy effectively limits their ability to fully integrate, creating a two-tiered system even within the bloc's freedom of movement framework. The findings are significant for other nations with large diaspora communities, including Türkiye, which consistently advocates for the rights and fair treatment of its citizens abroad and for equitable integration policies across Europe.