In 2024, the European Union (EU) — along with Norway and Switzerland — once again saw asylum applications exceed the one million mark, marking the third consecutive year this threshold was crossed. Despite this significant number, the total applications reflected an 11% decrease compared to the previous year. The majority of asylum seekers came from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Venezuela, with Germany, Spain, and Italy being the primary destinations. Let’s take a closer look at the most important findings from the EU’s annual asylum report and what they reveal about global migration patterns.
Diverse Origins of Asylum Seekers Spread Across Continents
Asylum applicants in the EU+ (EU, Norway, and Switzerland) came from a wide variety of countries spanning the Middle East, Latin America, North Africa, and South Asia. Syrians topped the list with approximately 150,766 applications, primarily filed in Germany, Greece, and Austria. Afghan nationals followed with 87,382 applications, mostly submitted in Germany, Greece, and France. Venezuelans made up a significant portion as well, with 73,817 claims largely directed to Spain, Germany, and Italy.
Other notable countries of origin included Turkey, Colombia, and Bangladesh, each with tens of thousands of applications spread across several European nations. Additionally, countries like Ukraine, Peru, Egypt, and Morocco contributed to the rising demand for international protection. These figures highlight not only the geographical diversity of asylum seekers but also the different geopolitical and economic crises pushing people to seek refuge.
A Noticeable Decline in Applications from Key Countries
Although Syrians remained the largest group of asylum seekers, their application numbers fell by 17% compared to 2023. This drop was partly due to certain EU countries temporarily halting the processing of Syrian asylum claims following political changes in Syria, although new applications continued to be accepted. Afghan asylum claims also saw a 24% decrease, with around 87,000 applications filed in 2024.
Perhaps the most dramatic decline came from Turkey. After a surge in 2023, Turkish applications fell by nearly 50% last year. This sharp drop followed a period when Turkish nationals briefly became the second-largest group of asylum seekers in the EU+, primarily applying in Germany. These shifts reflect evolving geopolitical situations and changing migration policies within both origin and destination countries.
Rising Applications from West African Nations
While applications from some regions declined, others saw a significant rise. Mali and Senegal emerged as notable sources of asylum seekers, with most applications directed toward Spain after migrants arrived on the Canary Islands. Malian nationals filed approximately 17,000 claims — more than double the number from the previous year — while Senegalese applicants submitted around 14,000.
The increasing migration from West Africa can largely be attributed to political instability, economic hardship, and the climate crisis affecting the Sahel region. In fact, the UN Refugee Agency estimates that 5.5 million people in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have been displaced by these intersecting crises. Spain’s Canary Islands have become a critical entry point, with around 47,000 irregular arrivals reported in 2024, making it one of the EU’s busiest migratory routes.
Germany Remains a Top Destination, But Per Capita Rates Tell a Different Story
When it comes to the preferred destinations of asylum seekers, Germany stood out with 237,314 applications — accounting for 23% of the total EU+ applications. Spain and Italy followed closely, with 165,767 and 158,867 applications, respectively. France also saw a comparable number, with 158,730 applications, while Greece registered 73,688.
However, when adjusting for population size, smaller nations saw a heavier per capita impact. Cyprus led the EU+ in asylum applications per capita, with one application for every 138 inhabitants. Greece followed with one application per 141 residents. By comparison, the EU+ average stood at one application for every 457 residents, underscoring the disproportionate burden faced by smaller countries with limited resources.
Recognition Rates Vary Sharply by Nationality
One of the most critical aspects of the asylum process is the likelihood of applicants receiving protection. In 2024, the overall recognition rate for asylum seekers stood at approximately 40%, though this varied significantly depending on the applicant’s nationality. Syrian nationals had the highest success rate, with a striking 90% recognition rate. Afghan applicants also fared relatively well, with a 63% recognition rate.
On the other end of the spectrum, Turkish applicants faced a steep decline in acceptance rates, dropping to just 17% in 2024 after a steady decrease over the past few years. Bangladeshi and Georgian applicants saw even lower recognition rates, hovering around 4%. These disparities often reflect the EU’s assessment of safety conditions and political stability in the applicants’ countries of origin.
Visa-Free Travel and Asylum Applications
A notable portion of asylum applications came from nationals of countries with visa-free entry to the EU+. In Spain, this trend was especially pronounced, with Venezuelans filing 74,000 claims and Colombians submitting 52,000. This surge has sparked discussions within the European Commission about revising the EU’s visa policies to curb irregular migration while maintaining essential mobility agreements.
As the EU debates policy adjustments, the evolving patterns of asylum applications underscore the complex interplay of global conflicts, economic challenges, and regional migration policies shaping the current landscape. Moving forward, how Europe manages these pressures will play a crucial role in defining its humanitarian response and border management strategies.