First half of 2025: Only half as many asylum applications in Germany

The number of asylum applications in Germany fell by almost half in the first six months of this year. A total of 65,495 asylum applications were filed between January 1 and June 30, as the "Welt am Sonntag" newspaper reported this Saturday, citing previously unpublished figures from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). This represents a decrease of 43 percent compared to the same period last year.

For the first time in years, Germany is no longer the European leader in asylum applications for the first six months of a calendar year: 76,020 people applied for protection in Spain during the same period, and 75,428 in France. Germany ranks third, followed by Italy with 62,534, Greece with 27,718, and Belgium with 17,285 asylum applications.

The last countries are Hungary with 47 asylum applications, Slovakia with 84 and Lithuania with 152.

According to the data, most asylum applicants in Germany came from Afghanistan (22 percent), Syria (20 percent), and Turkey (11 percent). 3.1 percent of applicants—making them the fifth largest group in Germany—came from Russia.

According to the EU report, between the beginning of January and the end of June, a total of 388,299 people applied for asylum in the countries of the European Union, plus Norway and Switzerland. This represents a decrease of 23 percent compared to the first half of 2024. Most asylum seekers in the EU came from Venezuela (48,413), Afghanistan (41,127), and Syria (23,307). The number one destination for Venezuelans is Spain, while Germany is the clear favorite for Afghans and Syrians.

Migration expert and Member of the European Parliament, Lena Düpont (CDU), said: "A key reason for the decline in numbers – in addition to seasonal effects and increased cooperation between third countries and the EU border agency Frontex – is the partnership agreements with important North African countries."