Europe's 'Long Summer of Migration' Sparked by Arab Spring, Solidarity Moment in Germany
Europe witnessed a surge in migration in recent years, with nearly a million people arriving, each carrying their own hopes for freedom and democratic participation. This influx, coupled with the experiences of democratic awakenings from the Arab world, sparked a moment of solidarity in Germany during the summer of 2015.
The 'Marches of Hope' from the Arab world brought experiences of democratic awakenings to Europe, influencing the migrant struggles for social and political rights. Groups such as migrant rights activists, refugee advocacy groups, and social justice organizations played a significant role in raising public awareness for freedom of movement, demands for participation, and social security between 2010 and 2019.
The breakthrough of the summer of 2015 was not possible in the 1990s due to a national closure driven by racism and anti-migrant sentiment. However, anti-racism became the central field of left-wing organizing in the 1990s, partially shifting anti-racism towards the center of society. This shift, coupled with the solidarity movement, led to millions of long-time residents engaging in supportive activities, such as clothing collections and local tours.
The federal government assured the public: 'We can do this!', indicating a relative hegemony of solidarity at the time. However, the murders of the NSU and the official promotion of right-wing terror sparked a fascist backlash against societal opening. Despite this, initiatives for remembrance politics and organized refugee struggles emerged from 2010 onwards, contributing to the success of the solidarity of the 'long summer of migration' from 2015-2019.
