Germany cuts funding for integration of refugees
Deutsche Welle
February 21, 2026
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Germany's Interior Ministry has announced a significant shift in its approach to integrating refugees and immigrants by cutting funding for voluntary integration courses, citing budget constraints. These courses, which have played a crucial role in helping newcomers learn the language and adapt to life in Germany, will now only be available to those explicitly required by authorities to attend. Refugees from Ukraine, asylum-seekers, and other immigrant groups will no longer have their course fees covered by the state, leaving them to pay €1,600 ($1,882) out of pocket. Critics, including teachers and advocates for integration, argue that this decision is a step backward and could exacerbate existing societal challenges.
Müge Tuzcu Karakoc, a Turkish journalist who benefited immensely from an integration course, expressed frustration at the government's move. She credits the program with helping her feel truly integrated into German society after seven years of living in the country. Similarly, Petra Martin, a freelance lecturer who has taught hundreds of immigrants, warned that cutting access to these courses would hinder people's ability to participate fully in society and find stable jobs. The courses not only focus on language skills but also cover essential aspects
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/21/2026