European Countries See Fewer Asylum Applications in First Half of 2026
EU+ countries received around 332,000 asylum applications in the first half of 2026, 17% fewer than in the same period last year, according to an EU report.
Key Points:
- This is the lowest number recorded in the first half of any year since 2021.
- The decline is attributed to changes in applicants’ nationalities and ongoing political changes in Syria, as well as the EU’s cooperation efforts with origin and transit countries.
- Importantly, asylum applications did not increase despite tensions in the Middle East.
Nationality Breakdown:
- Afghan nationals filed 39,000 applications, a 7% year-on-year decrease.
- Venezuelan nationals submitted 33,000 applications, down by about one-third from the previous year.
- Bangladeshis made up around 2,000 applicants, with a 13% increase compared to last year.
Top Receiving Countries:
- France received 69,000 applications, accounting for one-fifth of the total.
- Followed by Italy (66,000), Spain (55,000), and Germany (also 55,000).
- These four countries received nearly three-quarters of all asylum applications.
Per-Capita Applications:
- Greece ranked first with 23,000 applications, receiving around one application for every 400 residents.
Decision Rates:
- Fewer than one-third (31%) of decisions at the initial stage resulted in protection being granted.
