Asylum applications in the European Union fell by 12% in 2024, with Germany reporting a dramatic 30% drop compared to 2023, according to new data from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). The decline comes amid shifting migration patterns and rising political debates across the bloc.
📉 By the Numbers
Over 1 million initial asylum applications were filed across EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland this year—down from 1.14 million in 2023. Germany remained the top destination with 235,925 applications, followed by Spain (165,398), France (158,512), and Italy (154,824). Meanwhile, Hungary recorded just 29 new applications—a stark contrast to its ongoing legal clash with the EU over asylum policies.
🌐 Where Are Asylum Seekers Coming From?
Syrians accounted for 15% of all EU applicants, with Afghanistan (8.7%), Venezuela (7.3%), and Turkiye (5.5%) rounding out the top origins. Germany’s migration office confirmed similar trends, with Syria and Afghanistan leading its intake.
⚖️ Political Pressure Heats Up
The EU fined Hungary $205 million in June for violating asylum laws, highlighting tensions between Brussels and Budapest. Meanwhile, migration remains a hot-button issue in Germany’s upcoming election, where the far-right AfD party is gaining traction with anti-immigrant messaging.
As Europe navigates these challenges, the dip in asylum applications raises questions about global crises and policy impacts. Stay tuned for more updates ✨.
