amidst Global Crises, 2021-2022

Squatting became a powerful form of social and political activism in Amsterdam, with many squatters organizing protests and demonstrations to demand affordable housing and to resist eviction. Squatting also became an important part of Amsterdam’s counterculture scene, with many squats serving as venues for art exhibitions, music performances, and other cultural events.

Over time, the government and property owners began to crack down on squatting, with many squats facing eviction and legal battles. In 2010, the Dutch government passed a law making it illegal to squat residential buildings, although squats that were established before the law was passed were given a grace period of one year to legalize their occupation.

Today, while squatting is still technically illegal in Amsterdam, the city has become more tolerant of squats that are used for cultural or community purposes.

Upper-Middleclassmigration

Integration: The integration of immigrants and their families into Dutch society is a major challenge. Despite government efforts to promote integration, many immigrants face difficulties in finding employment, housing, and accessing social services. This can lead to social exclusion and tensions between different communities.

Asylum Seekers: The Netherlands has seen a significant increase in the number of asylum seekers in recent years, particularly since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. While the government has provided assistance to these asylum seekers, there have been issues with the processing of applications and providing adequate housing and services.

Illegal Immigration: Like many other European countries, the Netherlands also faces issues with illegal immigration. This includes the issue of undocumented migrants who have overstayed their visas or crossed borders illegally. There is ongoing debate about how to address this issue, including calls for stronger border controls and more effective deportation policies.