All Publications

Is Declining Trust a Threat to Democracy? Political Trust and Participation in an Immigration Society

Policy Brief | July 2026

Political trust in Germany had remained remarkably stable for a long time. Between 2022 and 2024, however, it decli significantly: in 2022, around two-thirds of people without a migration background still trusted the Federal Government and the Bundestag, whereas by 2024 these figures had declined to 44 per cent and 53 per cent respectively. Although people with a migration background continue to place slightly more trust in both institutions, figures have also declined in this demographic – from 72 to 60 per cent for the Federal Government and from 70 to 61 per cent for the Bundestag.

Based on data from the SVR Integration Barometer and the German General Social Survey (ALLBUS), this policy brief examines the various factors that influence political trust and highlights how this relates to political participation.

Celebrating as the occasion arises? On the organisation of naturalisation ceremonies under the Nationality Act

Policy Brief | June 2026

Naturalisation ceremonies are well established in many countries of immigration; since 2024, they have also been enshrined in law in Germany following the reform of the Nationality Act. Naturalisation is more than just an administrative act: the presentation of the naturalisation certificate marks the conclusion of a process that is often lengthy and holds significant biographical and emotional importance for those being naturalised. In practice, local authorities organise naturalisation ceremonies in different ways.

In its policy brief, the scientific staff of the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR) examines the expectations associated with naturalisation ceremonies and the impact they can have. The policy brief highlights how local authorities organise these ceremonies in practice.

A matter of trust: Why the German Armed Forces need more people with a migrant background

Policy Brief | October 2025

The changing geopolitical landscape has heightened the security policy significance of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). To fulfill its mission, the Bundeswehr must significantly increase its troop strength. But how much do individuals with and without a migrant background trust the Bundeswehr? To address this question, the SVR's scientific staff has analyzed data from the 2024 Integration Barometer, which for the first time assessed trust in the Bundeswehr, in its latest policy brief.

The findings reveal that around eight out of ten respondents with a migration background express trust in the Bundeswehr, stating they trust it “completely” or “somewhat” (77 percent). This sentiment is especially pronounced among the 15 to 25 age group. In contrast, only 68 percent of individuals without a migration background report similar levels of trust.

Diaspora and more. Civil society engagement of Afghan and Syrian communities in Germany

Study | July 2025

In recent years, Afghans and Syrians have been among the largest groups of refugees seeking protection in Germany. They have founded numerous organisations that work on behalf of their respective communities or countries of origin. The civil society involvement of refugees is only beginning to be recognised in policymaking and research. The SVR's scientific staff interviewed Afghan and Syrian organisations in Germany about their work. As the study shows, the organisations undertake a broad spectrum of activities. The study provides an overview of their history, special features, potential and challenges. Differences and parallels between Afghan and Syrian organisations are also addressed.

The study is part of the research project ‘Transnational Networks and Civil Society Activities in the Context of Forced Migration: The Afghan and Syrian Communities in Germany’.

Unlocking Hidden Potential: Facilitating Career Entry for International Professionals in Day Care Centres and Schools

Policy Brief | May 2025

Germany is facing a pronounced shortage of skilled workers in day care centres and schools. Immigrant educational professionals could make a significant contribution to closing this gap and making day care centres and schools more sensitive to diversity. However, they face numerous hurdles to entering the profession.

The policy brief examines the potential of teachers and educators qualified abroad and identifies challenges on their path into educational practice. It evaluates the integration and support measures taken to date, highlights examples of good practice and formulates recommendations for action to improve the recognition procedures and create prospects for qualified employment.

Young and diverse, but not yet politically engaged? Pathways to greater participation for young people with an immigration history

Study | March 2025

A new study by the scientific staff of the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR) has examined the opportunities and obstacles to political participation for young people with a migrant background between the ages of 15 and 35. In addition to a lack of political education, the main hurdles identified were difficult access to politics and a lack of representation for their own group. In order to improve participation, political education work in schools and extracurricular contexts is crucial; role models in politics are just as beneficial as anti-racism and anti-discrimination work.