332,000 asylum applications in the EU: Germany now only in fourth place
The number of asylum applications in the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland fell significantly again in the first half of 2026. The EU Asylum Agency (EUAA), based in Malta, recorded around 332,000 new applications between January and June. This is about 67,000 fewer than in the same period last year, a decline of almost 17 percent and the lowest level for a first half-year in five years.
Germany is no longer at the top. According to the agency, 54,454 applications were received by German authorities, placing Germany in fourth place. France recorded around 69,000 applications, Italy about 66,000, and Spain is just ahead of Germany with 54,732. Only a few years ago, Germany was consistently the country with the most asylum applications in Europe.
The largest group among the applicants were Afghans with around 39,000 applications, followed by Venezuelans with about 33,000. Across all participating states, 31 percent of people received asylum or subsidiary protection in the first instance. The agency cites the political transition in Syria and EU repatriation agreements with countries of origin, among other factors, as reasons for the decline that began at the end of 2024. Despite the conflicts in the Middle East, a new increase did not materialize.
For people who currently have a pending procedure, this statistic does not change their individual case. It remains important that your address and contact information are up to date with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, as summons for hearings and official notices are sent by mail. You can file a lawsuit against a negative decision, usually within two weeks, or within one week if the application was rejected as clearly unfounded. These deadlines are not extended. In such cases, contact a counseling center or a lawyer as soon as possible.