October 2025

We met people who have lived through these experiences, listened to their stories and made contact with NGOs working tirelessly on the ground.

What happens at Europe’s borders when you truly look? 
It is not just that the system is failing – it is designed to criminalize and turn away as many people in need as possible. Even those who clearly meet all the asylum criteria are treated illegally, inhumanely and sometimes sadistically. The reality is devastating.

But there are rays of hope. In the midst of this systemic failure, we witness the incredible resilience of people on the run – and the tireless efforts of NGOs providing medical care, legal assistance, shelter, education and moments of joy.
For example, from a volunteer who treated a two-year-old war injury, to a lawyer who won 90% of 130 cases for family reunification, to a woman who offered sustainability courses to children near the camp.

As one volunteer said: “You had the luxury of seeing the truth.” And yes, in times of disinformation, truth is a privilege – and a responsibility. We must address the challenges of integration in order to protect the achievements of European society. But we must not sacrifice the very values that built it: Human rights, freedom and human dignity.

Everyone deserves the chance to understand what is really happening at our borders – so they can make informed decisions about whether and how to get involved.