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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Explosions shook parts of southern Lebanon on Friday night as Israeli strikes rippled across the Zahrani district, with the blasts travelling toward the coastal city of Sidon.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States is sending a larger number of ships toward Iran and expressed hope for a deal, while warning that “if we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens.”
Israel will reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday (1 February), allowing limited movement of Palestinians in both directions after nearly two years of closure, Israeli authorities said on Friday.
Liverpool confirmed direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a 6-0 win over Qarabağ at Anfield in their final league-phase match. Despite the setback, Qarabağ secured a play-off spot, with results elsewhere going in the Azerbaijani champions’ favour on the final matchday.
China is supplying key industrial equipment that has enabled Russia to speed up production of its newest nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, an investigation by The Telegraph has found, heightening concerns in Europe over Moscow’s ability to threaten the West despite international sanctions.
Storm Kristin has killed at least five people and left more than 850,000 residents of central and northern Portugal without electricity on Wednesday (28 January), as it toppled trees, damaged homes, and disrupted road and rail traffic before moving inland to Spain.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to assist in rebuilding Syria’s war-damaged economy as the country's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa made his second visit to Moscow in less than four months on Wednesday (28 January).
Iranian citizens and businesses are continuing to feel the impact of a nationwide internet shutdown imposed amid a sweeping crackdown on anti-government protests.
Catherine O’Hara, the acclaimed actress best known for her role as Kevin McCallister’s mother in the Home Alone films, has died at the age of 71, her manager confirmed on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States is sending a larger number of ships toward Iran and expressed hope for a deal, while warning that “if we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens.”
German coalition politicians are pushing for higher tobacco taxes to relieve the country’s loss-making statutory health insurance system, saying rising prices would curb smoking and generate needed revenue.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday (29 January) he expected the U.S. administration to respect Canadian sovereignty, after reports that U.S. officials met Alberta separatists.
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