Tighter border controls push Germany to fourth in European asylum rankings

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%.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told the Bild newspaper that “our asylum policy is working. The stricter border controls we introduced are proving effective.” He highlighted measures implemented by the new government after taking office in May.

“The next step is to strengthen the common European asylum system to further reduce migration pressure on Europe,” the minister added.

Germany has long been the main destination for asylum seekers in Europe, but data from the first half of 2025 shows a shift in migration patterns. Spain emerged as the leading destination with around 76,000 applications, followed by France with 75,000 and Italy with 63,000. During the same period, Germany recorded 61,000 applications.

While the government attributes the decline to tighter border measures, critics point to multiple factors influencing migration trends, including changing conditions in conflict zones and a natural reduction in migrants from countries such as Ukraine and Syria.

During their February election campaign, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative Christian Democrats promised strict measures to curb irregular migration. After forming a coalition government in May, they implemented tighter border controls with neighbouring countries. Under the new rules, police turn back individuals without proper travel documents, as well as asylum seekers who have already entered another EU country.

Germany’s border measures have caused tensions with Poland. In response, the Polish government introduced reciprocal temporary border controls, and some Polish politicians have accused Germany of pushing migrants into Poland. Berlin insists the restrictions are temporary and will remain in place only until the EU’s new migration and asylum pact is fully implemented.

Under EU rules, member states may implement temporary border controls in the passport-free Schengen area only in exceptional circumstances, such as serious threats to public order. The European Commission has repeatedly stressed that such measures should be a “last resort” and strictly temporary.

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