In a world still marked by displacement, uncertainty, and deep inequality, the mission of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Europe remains clear and urgent: to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced people. As crises evolve and new challenges emerge, our presence—across borders, languages, and cultures—remains rooted in compassion, commitment, and concrete action.

Throughout 2024, our teams across Europe walked alongside more than 198.000 individuals seeking protection, stability, and dignity. This accompaniment took many forms: legal support, pastoral care, mental health services, education in emergencies, peacebuilding, and the simple but radical act of listening.

Behind these actions is a vibrant network of nearly 800 professional staff and over 6,900 volunteers, active in 241 locations across 23 European countries. With the help of partners, donors, and communities, our country offices invested over €29 million to respond to needs and uphold the rights of those who are too often left on the margins.

For full details on numbers and project highlights: Download THE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT.

Our advocacy work: Raising Voices, Influencing Change

Advocacy is at the heart of our mission—not just in speaking out, but in making space for refugees and forcibly displaced persons to speak for themselves. In 2024, our advocacy work was shaped by two defining events: the adoption of the EU Asylum and Migration Pact and the European elections. As we worked to influence policy at EU level, we also supported national advocacy efforts across our network—always grounded in the belief that human dignity must guide migration governance. From high-level consultations to grassroots mobilisations, we stood firm in calling for systems based on hospitality, inclusion, and fundamental rights.

Best Practices from our country offices: Innovation on the Ground

Across 23 countries, JRS teams respond to unique national contexts with creativity, flexibility, and care. Local projects often serve as laboratories of innovation, where new methods of accompaniment and service emerge—sometimes becoming models for others to follow.

Our partners made it possible

JRS Europe thanks the supporters who made our work possible in 2024. Your contributions helped JRS Europe to accompany people, advocate for their rights, provide needed services and raise awareness on the issues they face as well contribute to building diverse and inclusive societies across Europe.

We would like to thank Arise Foundation, CAFOD, Canadian Jesuits International, Caritas Spain, Catholic Mission Australia, Erasmus+, European Parliament, European Solidarity Corps, Fundación Entreculturas, JES Franklin Foundation, JCEP, Jesuiten Weltweit, JRS Ireland, JRS USA, JRS International, Linsi Foundation, LDS Charities, Oak Foundation, Renovabis, Xavier Network, as well as individual & anonymous donors. JRS Europe also thanks all donors supporting the One Proposal project.