The European Union witnessed a significant decline in asylum applications in 2024, according to a new report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). The report revealed that asylum applications fell by around 12% compared to the previous year, with Germany experiencing a notable 30% drop.
Across the 27 EU member nations, along with Norway and Switzerland, just over one million initial applications were recorded last year by the Malta-based agency. This figure compares to 1.14 million in 2023, indicating a substantial decrease in people seeking refuge within the bloc.
Germany’s Decline in Asylum Applications
Germany, traditionally a primary destination for asylum seekers, saw 235,925 initial applications in 2024. Despite this sizable number, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) reported a significant 30.2% decrease compared to 2023 figures. The majority of applicants in Germany originated from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkiye, reflecting ongoing conflicts and instability in these regions.
Asylum Trends Across Europe
Spain ranked second among European countries with the highest number of asylum applications, receiving 165,398 applicants. France followed closely with 158,512 applications, and Italy registered 154,824 applicants. The EUAA report highlighted that most people seeking asylum in the EU came from Syria (15%), Afghanistan (8.7%), Venezuela (7.3%), and Turkiye (5.5%).
Hungary’s Minimal Asylum Applications and Legal Challenges
In contrast, Hungary received only 29 new asylum applications in 2024. The country remains embroiled in a dispute with Brussels over a substantial fine imposed for breaching EU asylum laws. In June 2024, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) fined Hungary $205 million for “unlawfully detaining” asylum seekers and deporting them before they could appeal the rejection of their applications.
Migration and Political Climate in Germany
Migration remains a pivotal issue in the lead-up to Germany’s federal elections scheduled for February. The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been gaining traction with its anti-immigrant rhetoric, tapping into voter concerns over immigration policies and integration challenges.
The decline in asylum applications may influence the political discourse, but experts suggest that underlying issues driving migration, such as conflicts and economic instability in origin countries, require comprehensive and collaborative solutions at both national and EU levels.
Reference(s):
EU asylum applications fall in 2024, with Germany seeing 30% drop
cgtn.com