In a significant development for European migration patterns, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) reported a 12% decrease in asylum applications across the EU in 2024. The Malta-based agency recorded just over one million initial applications last year, compared to 1.14 million in 2023.
Germany, traditionally a leading destination for asylum seekers, experienced a notable 30.2% decline in applications, with 235,925 initial requests reported by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). This marks a substantial shift in migration trends within Europe.
Primary Countries of Origin
The EUAA report highlighted that the majority of asylum seekers originated from Syria (15%), Afghanistan (8.7%), Venezuela (7.3%), and Turkiye (5.5%). Germany’s figures mirrored this trend, with most applicants coming from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkiye.
Spain and Other EU Countries
Spain ranked second among European nations, receiving 165,398 asylum applications, followed by France with 158,512 and Italy with 154,824. In contrast, Hungary reported only 29 new asylum applications in 2024 amidst ongoing disputes with the European Union over its asylum policies.
EU Legal Actions and Political Implications
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) fined Hungary $205 million in June 2024 for breaching EU asylum laws by unlawfully detaining asylum seekers and deporting them without allowing appeals. This conflict underscores the tensions within the EU regarding migration policies.
Migration remains a pivotal issue in European politics, notably impacting Germany’s February elections. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained traction with its anti-immigrant rhetoric, reflecting the country’s ongoing debate over asylum policies.
