This focus report by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) assesses how the presence of large numbers of persons in need of international protection affects local communities in terms of housing, education, the local economy and social responses. It updates an earlier report from July 2016 and examines how the situation has developed in the seven EU Member States covered by the previous report (Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Sweden). It also assesses the situation in the seven additional EU Member States currently covered by FRA’s regular overviews (Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, and Spain).

Compared to 2016, the number of asylum seekers generally decreased in the majority of the locations in 2017. However, providing adequate and affordable housing remains one of the main challenges for local communities. Other recurring challenges include tackling negative social responses, supporting (social) integration, providing education, preventing school segregation, providing healthcare, and addressing the transition from education to employment.

There have also been positive developments, particularly the increase in and development of support for asylum seekers by civil society organisations. Promising practices in terms of fundamental rights were also reported in education and language acquisition, employment and labour markets, healthcare, and accommodation. Safety and security for local communities and asylum seekers increased in some locations. Social responses to and perceptions of asylum seekers and refugees have been positive overall. Some local communities specifically welcomed the resulting population increase and the positive effects on local economies.

2016 report on the impact of the asylum crisis on local communities