Sharp Decline in Asylum Applications Across the European Union in 2025

Sharp Decline in Asylum Applications Across the European Union in 2025
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The number of asylum applications submitted in the European Union and associated countries fell significantly in 2025, reflecting changing migration patterns and geopolitical developments, according to new data from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).

EU+ countries — which include the 27 EU member states as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland — received approximately 822,000 applications for international protection in 2025, marking a 19% decrease compared with 2024.

The decline was largely driven by a sharp drop in applications from Syrian nationals. Applications from Syrians fell dramatically — from around 151,000 in 2024 to about 42,000 in 2025, a decrease of roughly 72%.

Analysts attribute the change partly to shifting political conditions in Syria following the fall of the government of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, which altered migration patterns and led some displaced Syrians to reconsider seeking asylum in Europe.

Despite the overall decline, Germany remained the country receiving the largest number of asylum applications, though the number filed there also dropped significantly. Other major destinations included France, Spain and Italy.

Meanwhile, Afghan nationals continued to represent one of the largest groups of asylum seekers in Europe, with applications increasing in some countries during 2025.