Utrecht: Europe is dealing with a refugee crisis. More and more are asking for asylum. In the meantime, a debate has arisen among Member States about the reception and distribution of refugees. Solidarity in Europe and a common refugee policy are hard to find.

Refugees in the Netherlands had to sleep several times outside at the arrival centre in Ter Apel because of the influx of asylum seekers. Under pressure from the right, the asylum has been scaled down and made inhumane. Many refugees without hope or perspective are going down the wrong path. Many Dutch citizens are afraid and prefer not to have an asylum centre in their neighbourhood. There was a long discussion in Utrecht about an asylum seekers centre on the Einsteindreef in Overvecht. The municipality eventually started talking to refugees and local residents. Together they came to create Project Einstein—an initiative to bring refugees and locals together and remove prejudices.

Picture: Stanzen Jelsma

By offering perspective and hope, refugees are motivated. If you bring them into contact with locals, you create a future. Other examples of initiatives of the Einstein project are: -housing for students and locals at the asylum centre and an open living room for dutchies and refugees.