Asylum applications across the European Union saw a significant decrease in 2024, with numbers falling by around 12% compared to the previous year, according to a new report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
The Malta-based agency reported just over one million initial applications last year across the 27 EU member nations, along with Norway and Switzerland. This figure represents a drop from the 1.14 million recorded in 2023, based on the report seen by German news agency DPA and the newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
Germany Observes Notable Decline
Germany, traditionally one of the leading destinations for asylum seekers in Europe, recorded 235,925 initial applications in 2024. Despite this substantial number, the country experienced a significant decrease of 30.2% in asylum applications compared to 2023, according to data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
The majority of applicants in Germany originated from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkiye, reflecting broader trends observed across the EU.
Shifts in Asylum Seeker Origins
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%). These patterns indicate ongoing global challenges prompting individuals to seek refuge within European borders.
Spain and Other EU Countries
Spain ranked second among European countries with the most asylum applications, registering 165,398 applicants. France followed with 158,512 applications, and Italy with 154,824.
In stark contrast, Hungary received only 29 new asylum applications in 2024. This comes amid an escalating dispute between Brussels and Budapest, highlighted by a substantial fine imposed on Hungary for breaching EU asylum laws.
In June 2024, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) fined Hungary $205 million for violating EU asylum regulations by unlawfully detaining asylum seekers and deporting them before they could appeal the rejection of their applications.
Implications for European Politics
Migration continues to be a pivotal issue in European politics. In Germany, the upcoming election in February has seen the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining ground with its anti-immigrant rhetoric, reflecting deep-seated divisions over immigration policies.
The reduction in asylum applications may influence political discourse and policy-making across the EU as member states navigate the complexities of migration, humanitarian responsibilities, and domestic concerns.
