Syrian Asylum Requests in Europe Drop Sharply Amid Hope for Return
BRUSSELS — The number of Syrians seeking asylum in Europe has fallen dramatically, with new data suggesting a shift in migration patterns across the continent.
Figures released by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) show that around 25,000 Syrians applied for protection in EU countries, Switzerland, and Norway during the first half of the year — a steep 66 percent decline compared to the same period in 2024.
According to the EUAA, this drop is not linked to policy changes in Europe but rather to political developments in Syria. The agency noted that the fall of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad and the emergence of new authorities promising stability and reconstruction have given many displaced Syrians fresh hope of returning home.
For years, Syrians were the largest group of asylum seekers in Europe. They now rank third, after Venezuelans and Afghans. Venezuelans, struggling with deep economic and political crises, filed about 49,000 applications, making them the largest group of new arrivals.
Germany, once the main destination for asylum seekers, has also lost its top spot, with France and Spain now attracting more applicants.
Overall, EU+ countries received about 399,000 asylum applications in the first six months of the year.
The decline in numbers is likely to be welcomed in Brussels, where the European Union faces mounting political pressure over migration. Growing voter frustration has fueled support for hard-right parties in several member states.
In response, the European Commission earlier this year unveiled proposals to toughen its asylum system, including measures to streamline deportations and make it easier to turn away new arrivals.
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