Asylum applications in the European Union declined after the fall of the Assad regime
Asylum applications to the European Union fell by 23% in the first six months of 2025, driven by a significant drop in the number of Syrians seeking protection, the European Union’s asylum agency said Monday.
According to European Agency data, Syrians submitted approximately 25,000 applications in the 27-nation bloc, Switzerland, and Norway (the European Union Plus), a 66% decrease compared to the same period last year.
The agency said in a report that this remarkable decline isn’t linked to a change in EU policies, attributing the matter instead to the overthrow of former President Bashar al Assad.
The agency added, “As the new Syrian authorities champion stability and reconstruction, many displaced Syrians are pinning greater hopes on returning to rebuild their communities”.
Syrians, who previously constituted the majority of asylum seekers, now represent the third largest group after Venezuelans and Afghans.
Meanwhile, France and Spain have replaced Germany as the main destination for asylum seekers.
In total, EU+ countries received 399,000 asylum applications in the first six months of the year.
Venezuelans, whose country is experiencing economic and political turmoil, made up 49,000 of the total number of applicants.
The report is positive for EU countries, which are facing pressure to curb immigration amid electoral gains by the far-right in several member states.
Earlier this year, the European Commission unveiled plans to facilitate the return of asylum seekers and deportations.
