According to new data from Eurostat, the number of asylum seekers in the European Union dropped by 13% in 2024, marking the first decline since 2020. The EU’s statistics agency reported 912,000 first-time asylum applications last year, down from more than 1 million in 2023.
Syrians remained the largest group of asylum applicants in 2024, with 148,000 first-time requests, accounting for 16% of all applications. Syria has been the leading country of origin for asylum seekers in the EU since 2013.
Venezuela replaced Afghanistan as the second-largest source of applicants for the first time in six years, with 72,800 applications, or 8% of the total. Afghanistan ranked third, with 72,200 applications.
Irregular migration drops to lowest level in three years
In addition to fewer asylum applications, the EU saw a sharp decline in irregular border crossings. According to Frontex, the EU’s border agency, a 38% decrease in unauthorized entries into the bloc brought irregular migration to its lowest level since 2021.
Andrew Geddes, director of the Migration Policy Centre at the European University Institute, said the drop suggests EU efforts to manage migration are showing results.
The decline is linked to increased cooperation between the EU and transit countries, including Tunisia and Libya, to curb migration flows before they reach European shores. However, Geddes warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in transit nations.
While fewer migrants are reaching Europe, many are stranded in North African and Middle Eastern countries where conditions deteriorate. Reports from humanitarian organizations highlight overcrowded refugee camps, limited access to basic services, and growing concerns over human rights abuses.
Cyprus and Greece have the highest number of first-time asylum seekers relative to their population size
A few EU countries continue to handle most asylum applications, with 82% of requests filed in just five nations: Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Greece.
Catherine Woollard, director of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, described this imbalance as a persistent challenge. She noted that while some countries receive a disproportionate number of asylum seekers, others contribute little to hosting refugees despite taking strong political stances on migration policy.
Germany remained the top destination, receiving over a quarter of all EU asylum requests. Spain and Italy also saw high numbers, partly due to their geographical positions as key entry points for migrants crossing the Mediterranean.
Cyprus recorded the highest number of first-time asylum seekers, with 7.2 applicants per 1,000 residents, relative to population size. Greece followed with 6.6 applicants per 1,000, while Ireland and Spain each recorded 3.4.
Today’s full-year figures on asylum applications from @EU_Eurostat show that Ireland had the joint fourth highest rate per capita in Europe in 2024, with Iceland even higher curiously. pic.twitter.com/GvXNAnvMeP
— Dan O’Brien (@danobrien20) March 20, 2025
Luxembourg reported 3.2 asylum seekers per 1,000 people. Across the EU, the average was two asylum seekers per 1,000 residents.
Despite the EU’s tighter migration controls, long-term effects remain unpredictable. The bloc continues to face pressure to address the uneven distribution of asylum seekers and improve protections for migrants stuck in transit countries.