The first half of 2025 saw a sharp decline in asylum applications across Europe, with Germany experiencing a nearly 50% drop compared to last year.
According to German media reports citing data from the EU Asylum Agency (EUAA), Germany received 65,495 asylum applications between January and June 2025, marking a 43% decrease from the same period in 2024.
German Interior Minister Volker Dobrindt credited the drop to successful migration policy reforms, pledging continued efforts to overhaul the system.
Across Europe, Spain received the highest number of asylum claims in the first half of 2025 with over 76,000 applications, followed by France (75,428), Germany (65,495), Italy (62,534), Greece (27,718), and Belgium (around 17,000). Hungary, Slovakia, and Lithuania reported very low numbers due to stricter immigration policies.
Among asylum seekers in Germany, Afghan nationals made up about 22%, Syrians 20%, and Turkish citizens 11%. Russians were the fifth largest group, accounting for just over 3%. Overall, nearly 400,000 people applied for asylum across EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland in the first six months of 2025.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9 September, covering the latest developments you need to know...
A New Zealand fugitive father shot dead by police put his children at risk with his actions and had "no regard" for their safety, authorities said on ...
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza said on Tuesday that one of its main boats was struck by a drone at a port in Tunisia, though all six passeng...
Thailand's Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in jail because his detention in a VIP wing of ...
Israel's military on Tuesday ordered residents to evacuate from Gaza City ahead of a new offensive to seize the Strip's largest urban centre, part of ...
Official figures show that Germany received 7,803 asylum applications in August 2025, down from 18,427 in the same month last year – a drop of 10,624, or nearly 60%.
Germany’s Merz: Ukraine war could last for a long time
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Saturday told a state party conference that Russia will only stop its war in Ukraine when it is unable to continue economically, and possibly militarily.
Britain, France, and Germany have confirmed that their proposal to extend the Iran nuclear deal and delay the reimposition of UN sanctions for 30 days “remains on the table,” UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward said on Friday at the United Nations.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9 September, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A New Zealand fugitive father shot dead by police put his children at risk with his actions and had "no regard" for their safety, authorities said on Tuesday, as police found quad bikes and ammunition at their campsite hideout.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza said on Tuesday that one of its main boats was struck by a drone at a port in Tunisia, though all six passengers and crew were safe.
Thailand's Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in jail because his detention in a VIP wing of a hospital in lieu of prison was unlawful, in another major blow for a powerful family that has dominated politics for two decades.
Israel's military on Tuesday ordered residents to evacuate from Gaza City ahead of a new offensive to seize the Strip's largest urban centre, part of a planned takeover stirring international alarm over the fate of the entire territory.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment