The latest report from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) shows a modest decline in asylum applications across Europe in 2024, yet shifting migration patterns hint at bigger changes ahead. While the Middle East remains the dominant source of asylum seekers, South American nations are rapidly gaining ground.
Applications to EU+ countries (EU member states plus Switzerland and Norway) fell by 11% from 2023 but still surpassed one million. The usual top contenders—Syrians (151,000), Afghans (87,000), and Turks (56,000)—all saw significant drops. Meanwhile, Venezuelan applications hit a record 74,000, overtaking Turkey. Colombia (52,000) and Peru (27,000) also cracked the top ten, alongside Bangladesh, Ukraine, Egypt, and Morocco.
Success rates varied widely. Syrians had the highest approval rate at 90%, while Venezuelans struggled with just 4%. Ukrainian applicants saw an 80% success rate, while 63% of Afghans were granted protection.
Germany remained the top choice for Syrians, Afghans, and Turks, with nearly half of their applications filed there. Italy drew the majority of Bangladeshis, Peruvians, and Pakistanis, while Spain was the go-to destination for South Americans—90% of Venezuelans and 78% of Colombians applied there. Spain also saw a sharp rise in boat arrivals to the Canary Islands, driven by massive surges in Malian (up 726%) and Senegalese (up 254%) migrants.
France saw Ukrainian applications nearly triple and Haitian asylum claims soar by 165%. Cyprus and Greece topped the charts for asylum claims per capita, with one application for every 140 residents.
Despite these trends, Frontex data from earlier this year revealed a 38% drop in illegal border crossings, signaling a shift toward legal entry routes. Europe’s migration dilemma isn’t over—it’s just evolving.
