The government of Germany agreed to provide €6.85 billion to its federal states to help cover the cost of housing and integrating migrants in 2019, according to a government source.
The funding decision came as Germany continued efforts to manage the integration of more than one million migrants and refugees who arrived during the 2015–2016 migration surge.
At the time, the policy direction was shaped under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose decision to open Germany’s borders sparked both support and political backlash.
Part of the funds—€2.44 billion—was allocated for integration measures such as German language classes, while €1.8 billion was set aside for accommodation support. An additional €500 million was earmarked for social housing subsidies.
The broader plan included a total of €15 billion in federal support to states and local authorities through 2022, aimed at easing the financial burden of migration-related services.
Migration remained a key political issue in Germany, influencing regional elections and contributing to the rise of the Alternative for Germany, a party known for its anti-immigration stance.
The funding package highlighted Germany’s long-term approach to migrant integration, focusing on housing, education, and social support systems.