Germany Falls Behind in Asylum Applications within the EU

A recent confidential report from the European Union indicates a significant shift in the asylum application landscape in Europe. Germany, once the frontrunner in asylum requests, has reported a 41% decrease in applications compared to the previous year, marking a historic change in its status.

According to the report, published by the EU's Asylum Agency (EUAA), Germany received 37,387 asylum requests between January and March 2025. This decline has resulted in Germany falling behind two other EU nations, France and Spain, which recorded higher application numbers during the same period.

France saw the highest number of applications with 40,871, followed closely by Spain with 39,318 requests. In stark contrast, Hungary and Slovakia reported minimal activity, with only 22 and 37 applications respectively, due to their stringent migration policies.

This downturn in applications is reflective of a broader trend across Europe, where the total number of asylum requests in the EU, Norway, and Switzerland has dropped by 19% year-on-year, totaling 210,641. The report highlights a notable demographic shift among applicants, with Venezuelans comprising the largest group at 25,375, or 12% of the total applications. They are followed by applicants from Afghanistan and Syria, who accounted for 21,524 and 15,138 requests, respectively.

Interestingly, the report notes that while applications from Venezuelans have surged by 44%, those from Syrians have plummeted by 56%, alongside significant declines from Colombia and Turkey. In Germany, over half of the asylum requests from Syrian nationals represent 59% of the total applications, making them the largest group seeking refuge.

As discussions surrounding migration policies continue in Germany, local governments are advocating for stricter measures. The German Association of Cities and Municipalities has voiced its expectations for the incoming government to manage illegal immigration more effectively, emphasizing the need for border control and expedited processing of residency applications.

Moreover, the German District Association is pushing for a complete halt on accepting migrants from war-torn regions, questioning the feasibility of continuing to accommodate large numbers of refugees. They argue for a reevaluation of the current policies, highlighting that the influx of four million migrants over the past decade has strained resources.

As the political climate surrounding migration evolves, the future of asylum policies in Germany and the EU remains uncertain, with calls for a fair distribution of refugees across member states. The upcoming government will have to address these pressing challenges to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to migration.