Europe's Growing Divide: What I see as a Young Traveler

I’m typically working behind the scenes, amplifying the voices of youth from around the world. However, during my time in Europe, I feel compelled to share my own. The continent is undeniably rich in history and culture, composing of over 200 languages, hundreds of cultural identities, and the stories of a little more than 744 million people. Taking that into consideration, it is no surprise that Europe has welcomed over 747 million tourists in 2024, making the region the most visited world-wide (United Nations World Tourism Organization). Visitors come to explore cities, indulge in the local food, and understand the heritage that defines European life. But behind the continent's façade, Europe houses a growing tension, stretching beyond tourism and into deeper concepts of belonging, identity, and migration.

In 2024, international arrivals surged — with popular countries such as Spain, Italy, and France seeing record-breaking visitor numbers (Reuters). But not everyone is welcoming this profound popularity. Anti-tourism protests have recently erupted across the cities of Barcelona, Venice, and the Canary Islands, where residents demand restrictions to protect the locals from what they see as cultural erosion from excessive tourism. These protests, while being largely focused on short-term visitors, reflect a deeper meaning: the rising discomfort from outsiders and the drastic shifts of daily life they bring — whether it be from tourists, immigrants, or refugees.

Tourists come by choice, but refugees usually arrive out of desperation. It is an arrival that is quieter, far more urgent, and unfortunately, far less welcome. For many years, Europe has been a destination for those fleeing war, political instability, and economic collapse. This past decade, mass populations of Syrian, Afghani, South Sudanese, and more recently, Ukrainian asylum seekers have dispersed throughout Europe. As of early 2024, the European Union recorded that over 10 million displaced persons, including both refugees and displaced migrants, have moved into the continent. (European Union Agency for Asylum).

But this number is more than just data, as it represents the tragic stories of displacement and survival. These refugees leave behind their lives, hoping to find safety and dignity. Instead, they’re unfortunately being met with suspicion and in many cases, outright hostility.

Despite this, it would be incorrect to pretend that mass immigration hasn’t created logistical challenges throughout the continent. Across Europe, cities are facing housing shortages like no other, greatly overburdened healthcare systems, and classroom overcrowding. In Berlin, thousands of refugee students were enrolled in public schools in 2023 alone (Deutsche Welle). For Italy, certain coastal towns are receiving hundreds of migrants every week, far exceeding the limits of emergency shelters.

These are real issues that impact the lives of many, deserving actionable solutions. But due to the increased conversation around immigration, the want for policy reform has recently been driven by more unfortunate motives.

Across Europe, far-right political parties have risen in popularity by linking the mass immigration crisis to crime-related events, fiscal decline, and cultural loss — despite research showing that migrants contribute significantly to the European economy (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). What started off as concerns over infrastructure, have digressed into hate. Across the continent, mosques have been vandalized, refugee centers have been burned, and hate speech has been normalized in both countries’ politics and media.

In France, debates around banning certain clothing (the abaya, a simple robe-like dress) in public schools have sparked anti-Muslim sentiment. Furthermore, within Greece, humanitarian aid workers helping refugees have been detained as “smugglers”. Even in more progressive countries such as the Netherlands or Germany, right-wing movements are rising fast, campaigning on fears that Europe is being “overrun”.

Nevertheless, fear does not justify hate — and discomfort should never become an avenue for racism to spread. As a young person myself, witnessing these changes unfold firsthand has struck me with both urgency and anxiety. Europe’s history contains innovation and cultural exchange — yet today, it’s dealing with division fueled by xenophobia. These challenges are very real, and they need the opportunity to build communities that are diverse, and compassionate. If we have fear and misunderstanding guide us, we put ourselves at risk of disrupting the values that make Europe a home for so many. This isn’t just Europe's problem — it’s a challenge that all of us should take on.

To stand with the displaced population across and beyond Europe, we must face the human reality of migration. You can greatly support ongoing refugee assistance by visiting the International Rescue Committee (IRC) — an organization providing critical aid, education, and resettlement services to displaced individuals and families worldwide. For more resources and ways to engage, explore the Take Action tab in One of Many’s Resource Hub.