The Number Of Asylum Applications To The EU Has Fallen By A Third

• 18.08.2025, 15:47

In May, nearly 55,800 people filed initial asylum applications in EU countries.

The number of initial asylum applications in the European Union has fallen by almost a third year-on-year. In May, 54,780 people applied for asylum in EU countries - 30 percent fewer than in the same month in 2024, the European statistical office Eurostat reported on Monday, August 18, the Deutsche Welle noted.

Meanwhile, compared to April 2025, the number of applications from refugees increased for the first time in three months - in April, the figure was 48,935 applications, or 12% less than in May.

Venezuelan and Afghan nationals

Venezuelans were the largest number of asylum seekers in May (8,085 initial applications), followed by those from Afghanistan (4,575), Bangladesh (3,095) and Syria (2,935). The highest number of applications was filed in Spain (12,755), Italy (11,760), France (9,490) and Germany (8,330). Thus, the number of initial asylum applications submitted in the Federal Republic of Germany decreased again.

As a ratio to the population, Greece (30.3 applications per 1,000 inhabitants), Spain (26.0), Cyprus and Luxembourg (25.8 each) had the highest number of initial asylum applications.

In recent months, several EU countries, especially Germany, have tightened their migration policies. In addition, the decline in asylum applications is due to the adoption of new EU rules in 2024. Among other things, the reform envisages changes to the entry procedure for potential refugees at the EU's external borders.