Germany reported the highest number of first-time asylum applications in the European Union in July 2024, with 18,505 applications reported, new data has shown.
Next to Germany, Italy (13,235), Spain (11,925) and France (11,300) reported high numbers of asylum applicants – between them, these four countries accounted for three quarters (74%) of all first-time applicants in the EU.
Some 74,695 first-time asylum applicants from non-EU countries applied for international protection in the European Union in July 2024, a 7.5% decrease on the previous year, the Eurostat data showed.
There was also a 26.2% rise in subsequent asylum applicants, totalling 7,145 compared to 5,660 in July 2023.
Countries of origin
The largest group of individuals seeking asylum hailed from Syria (12,295 first-time applicants), followed by those from Afghanistan (6,030) and Venezuela (5,170).
The EU average for first-time asylum applicants was 16.6 per 100,000 people, with Greece recording the highest rate (55.1), followed by Ireland (32.2).
Additionally, 2,985 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum, predominantly from Syria (895), Afghanistan (470), and Egypt (345), with Germany receiving the most applications from unaccompanied minors (750). Read more here.
Asylum applicants to the European Union by type, July 2024
| Applicant Type | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|
| Total Asylum Applicant | 81,960 |
| First Time Applicant | 74,695 |
| Subsequent Applicant | 7,145 |
