EU Reports 23 Percent Decline in Asylum Applications

(MENAFN) The European Union Agency for Asylum reported Monday a significant 23% decrease in asylum applications across EU+ countries during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

EU+, encompassing the 27 EU member states plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, recorded 399,000 asylum requests in the first six months of 2025, according to the agency’s Mid-Year Review of Latest Asylum Trends.

This steep decline is primarily attributed to a dramatic two-thirds fall in applications from Syrians, dropping to 25,000. For the first time in over ten years, Syrians no longer represent the largest group seeking asylum in Europe.

Following the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime last December, Venezuelan asylum seekers surged to the forefront, submitting 49,000 applications—a 31% increase compared to the previous year.

Other significant groups include Afghans, who form the second-largest nationality with 42,000 applications, alongside Ukrainians, whose numbers rose by 29% to 16,000.

This shift also reshaped the landscape of asylum destinations within the EU+. France (78,000) and Spain (77,000) surpassed Germany (70,000), which has historically been the leading asylum destination.

Italy recorded 64,000 applications, while Greece received 27,000.

Application numbers fell sharply in Germany (down 43%), Italy (25%), and Spain (13%), yet remained steady in France, the report indicated.

Additionally, the review highlighted that about 25% of all asylum seekers held visa-free entry to the Schengen area, mainly Venezuelans and Colombians. The European Parliament is set to vote next month on measures to enhance the EU's visa suspension mechanism.

MENAFN09092025000045017169ID1110035304