Asylum applications in the European Union fell by approximately 12% in 2024, according to a new report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). The Malta-based agency recorded just over one million initial applications last year across the 27 EU member nations, along with Norway and Switzerland. This marks a decrease from the 1.14 million applications registered in 2023.
Germany, traditionally a primary destination for asylum seekers, experienced a significant decline. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) reported 235,925 initial applications, reflecting a sharp 30.2% drop compared to 2023. Despite the decrease, Germany remains one of the top recipients of asylum applications.
Shift in Asylum Trends Across Europe
The EUAA report highlighted that most asylum seekers originated from Syria (15%), Afghanistan (8.7%), Venezuela (7.3%), and Turkiye (5.5%). Germany’s statistics mirror this trend, with the majority of applicants coming from Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkiye.
Spain ranked second among European countries with the highest number of asylum applications, recording 165,398 applicants. France followed closely with 158,512 applications, and Italy with 154,824.
Hungary’s Minimal Numbers Amid EU Disputes
In stark contrast, Hungary received only 29 new asylum applications in 2024. The country has been embroiled in an escalating dispute with Brussels over its handling of asylum seekers. In June 2024, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) fined Hungary $205 million for violating EU asylum laws by unlawfully detaining asylum seekers and deporting them before they could appeal the rejection of their applications.
Migration Influences German Political Landscape
Migration continues to be a pivotal issue in German politics, especially with the upcoming election in February. The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been gaining ground, leveraging anti-immigrant rhetoric to appeal to voters concerned about immigration policies.
