By Hamed Karimi | European Diversity Newsroom
February 2025
In the first months of 2025, Europe has witnessed a disturbing increase in violent attacks targeting refugees and migrants. From deadly shootings to arson and organized assaults, far-right extremists are intensifying their assault on some of the continent’s most vulnerable communities. Although far-right parties may not yet hold absolute power in most European governments, their rhetoric is fueling dangerous real-world consequences.
A Wave of Violence Across Europe
1. Sweden: Örebro Mass Shooting (February 4, 2025)
One of the deadliest attacks of the year occurred in Örebro, Sweden, when a gunman opened fire at the Campus Risbergska adult education center, killing 10 people and injuring six others. Many of the victims were refugees attending language and integration courses. The shooter, Rickard Andersson, was linked to far-right ideology, though he had no previous criminal record. The attack has sent shockwaves through Sweden’s migrant communities, with many fearing further violence in a country where far-right sentiment has been on the rise.
2. France: Far-Right Assault on a Migrant Cultural Association (February 16, 2025)
In Paris, a group of around 20 masked far-right extremists stormed the Cultural Association of Turkish Immigrant Workers (ACTIT), attacking attendees with broken glass and leaving a 30-year-old activist with severe injuries. While six suspects have been arrested, migrant advocacy groups warn that this attack reflects a growing trend of organized far-right violence targeting migrant-led organizations.
The Political Climate: A Precursor to More Violence?
While these attacks are alarming, they are not occurring in a vacuum. Across Europe, far-right political parties are gaining traction, leveraging economic instability and migration debates to push anti-refugee narratives. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling at 21%, nearly doubling its 2021 results. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally is mainstreaming rhetoric that portrays migrants as a threat. Meanwhile, the UK is introducing policies that would block refugees who arrive through irregular means from acquiring citizenship.
Right-wing politicians have played a crucial role in normalizing hate speech. For example, a recent statement from an AfD candidate claimed that “mass deportations are the only way to reclaim our country,” while a National Rally member in France described refugee support programs as “a drain on the nation’s resources.” Such rhetoric emboldens extremists and creates an environment where violent attacks become more likely.
Far-Right Policies and Their Role in Normalizing Hate
The shift in political discourse across Europe is having tangible effects on refugee security. With policies that criminalize asylum seekers and rhetoric that frames them as criminals, governments are indirectly legitimizing violence. In Italy, new restrictions on NGO rescue operations in the Mediterranean have led to more deaths at sea, while Denmark’s “zero asylum” policy continues to erode protections for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
The impact of far-right populism extends beyond policy—it fuels divisions within society. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for hate speech, with far-right influencers spreading conspiracy theories about “migrant invasions” and “cultural replacement.” This normalization of xenophobia contributes to radicalization, turning online extremism into real-world violence.
The Future of Europe’s Refugees
The rise in attacks against refugees in 2025 highlights the dangerous consequences of unchecked far-right extremism. While far-right political parties may not yet govern, their influence is already shaping policy and emboldening violence. As European societies grapple with these developments, the question remains: Will governments take action to protect those at risk, or will inaction lead to further bloodshed?
The Urgency of Action
The rise of right-wing extremism in Europe demands urgent countermeasures. Civil society organizations, human rights groups, and international institutions must push back against far-right rhetoric and demand stronger protections for refugees. Governments must also take decisive action against hate crimes, ensuring that perpetrators face legal consequences.
The future of refugee rights in Europe depends on whether democratic institutions can resist the tide of extremism. Without concrete action, the growing wave of hate-fueled violence could reshape the continent’s moral and political landscape for years to come.
