The question of how to establish a common European asylum system that is based on the principle of solidarity is currently one of the most pressing challenges to European cohesion. On the one hand, solidarity and a fair distribution of refugees have increasingly been promoted by the European Commission, Council and Parliament and are explicitly enshrined in the EU Treaties. On the other hand, the effective enforcement of these principles has so far been impeded by the refusal of various member states to implement a system of intra-European burden-sharing and the unwillingness to reform the Dublin system. The paper investigates two of the most attractive target countries, Germany and Denmark. Both countries have established a universal welfare system, which is seen under strain in confronting the flux of incoming refugees. At the same time, though, remarkable civic refugee help initiatives and a growing welcome culture have emerged among parts of society. We explore whether and to what extent the recent migration movements have led to restrictions in welfare services. Secondly, we analyse the legal pillars of a solidarity-based European asylum system. Thirdly, we look at the societal responses and bottom-up initiatives in solidarity with refugees. We investigate cleavages and patterns of solidarity acts that aim to help the newcomers in their settlement to Denmark and Germany.
