Welcome or Discriminated? EU Citizens in Germany - Germany's EU exodus: Why more citizens are leaving than arriving for the first time in 15 years
For the first time in 15 years, Germany saw more EU citizens leave than arrive in 2023. The net outflow reached around 34,000 citizens, reversing a long-standing trend. High living costs, housing struggles, and a lack of belonging were key reasons behind the shift.
Around 5.1 million EU nationals still call Germany home, making up 37 percent of the country's foreign population. Yet many face ongoing challenges, from unemployment to discrimination in daily life.
Between 2011 and 2023, unemployment among EU citizens in Germany more than doubled, climbing from 117,000 to 219,000. The rise hit migrants from Southeastern Europe the hardest. Many also reported precarious housing conditions, with high rents and discrimination during apartment searches adding to their struggles.
Discrimination shapes integration for countless EU migrants, particularly those from Romania and Bulgaria, as well as Sinti and Roma communities. These experiences often push people to consider leaving. A recent survey revealed nearly one-third of EU citizens in Germany had thought about emigrating.
Reasons for moving to Germany vary. Some 26 percent came for a partner, while 24 percent had a job lined up. Another 17 percent arrived for education or training. But staying long-term has proven difficult for many.
Natalie Pawlik, the federal commissioner for migration and integration, has called for fewer barriers and better access to language courses. She criticised Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt for limiting state-funded integration programmes. Pawlik argued that voluntary courses should remain open to all EU citizens seeking support.
The decline in EU migration marks a turning point for Germany's labour market and communities. With unemployment rising and integration hurdles persisting, many migrants weigh their futures abroad. Officials now face pressure to address housing costs, discrimination, and access to support services for those who remain.
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