The number of asylum applications in Germany has decreased significantly in the first six months of this year, marking the lowest level in years. A total of 65,495 applications were filed, representing a 43 percent reduction compared to the same period last year.
This data, sourced from a confidential report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and reported by “Welt am Sonntag”, indicates a shift in Europe’s asylum landscape. Germany no longer holds the top position for asylum applications within the first half of a calendar year, a development not seen in years. Spain leads with 76,020 applications, followed by France with 75,428. Italy (62,534), Greece (27,718) and Belgium (17,285) also registered significant numbers. Hungary, Slovakia and Lithuania recorded the fewest applications.
The majority of asylum seekers in Germany originated from Afghanistan (22 percent), Syria (20 percent) and Turkey (11 percent). Notably, 3.1 percent of applicants were from Russia, placing them as the fifth-largest national group.
Across the European Union, plus Norway and Switzerland, a total of 388,299 asylum applications were submitted between January 6 and June 1, 2025, a 23 percent decrease compared to the first half of 2024. Venezuela (48,413), Afghanistan (41,127) and Syria (23,307) were the countries of origin with the highest number of asylum seekers in the EU. Spain has become the primary destination for Venezuelans, while Germany is a favored destination for Afghans and Syrians.
Lena Düpont, an EU migration expert from the CDU, attributes the decline in part to seasonal effects and increased cooperation between third countries and the EU border agency, Frontex, alongside partnerships with key North African nations.
However, the report highlights growing concern within the EU regarding the recent increase in migration from Libya. The Greek island of Crete is particularly impacted, facing challenges in providing adequate reception facilities.
As of June 1, 2025, the confidential EU Commission report indicates 91,000 refugees are residing in Libya, a 61 percent rise compared to the beginning of 2025. This increase is primarily driven by refugees fleeing civil conflict in Sudan and South Sudan, with most seeking onward travel to Europe.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner is scheduled to visit Libya next week to discuss the situation with government representatives from several EU Mediterranean countries. International human rights organizations are reporting a deteriorating situation for migrants within Libya, compounded by the country’s ongoing civil conflict.