20
Mar 2025
Fewer people applied for asylum in the European Union in December 2024, continuing a decline from the previous month.
Eurostat reported that 62,085 first-time applicants sought protection, a 17% drop from November 2024 and 20% less than in December 2023. The number of repeat applicants also fell by 6% from the previous month but rose by 15% compared to the year before.
Asylum applications drop across Europe
Most asylum seekers applied in Germany, Spain, France, and Italy, which received 71% of all first-time requests. Syrians made up the largest group with 8,345 applicants, followed by Venezuelans and Afghans.
The overall decline happened as the EU processed nearly 200,000 asylum cases in the last quarter of 2024, approving protection for half of them.
Unaccompanied minors among the applicants
Many asylum seekers are children traveling alone.
In December 2024, 2,500 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum, mostly from Syria, Egypt, and Afghanistan.
Germany received the most applications from these children, followed by Greece and Spain.
(Image courtesy of Photo Beto via iStock)
Irregular border crossings decrease in Eastern Mediterranean
Meanwhile, irregular migration to the EU dropped sharply in early 2025.
Frontex reported about 6,500 irregular border crossings in the Eastern Mediterranean in January and February, a 35% decrease. This decline has continued since October, mainly due to winter weather and stricter border controls.
Migration patterns varied in other regions. The Western Balkans route saw the biggest drop, with 64% fewer crossings than early 2024.
Meanwhile, crossings on the Central Mediterranean route rose by 48%, reaching nearly 6,900 in the first two months of the year. The Western African corridor remained the busiest migration route, even though crossings fell by 40% compared to the previous year.
Rising risks at sea
Migration numbers may change, but sea crossings remain dangerous.
Frontex and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 248 migrants died at sea in January and February 2025. Many still depend on criminal networks to reach Europe, putting them at greater risk of exploitation and harm.
(Image courtesy of katyveldhorst via Pixabay)
What This Means for Travelers and Migrants
Fewer asylum applications and irregular crossings could affect the EU’s approach to travel and migration policies.
With the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) set to launch, visitors from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for approval before entering the Schengen Area.
The decline in irregular migration may lead to stricter border controls, with more thorough security screenings for both short-term and long-term visitors.
Asylum seekers may also face stricter background checks as authorities work to prevent unauthorized entries while improving legal migration pathways. At the same time, Schengen visa policies could change based on migration trends.
Countries like Germany and Spain, which receive many asylum applications, may push for faster processing times or revised eligibility rules.
While most travelers won’t see immediate changes, those from high-migration regions may face closer scrutiny when applying for visas or travel authorization.
Outlook for EU migration policies
Asylum applications and irregular border crossings are decreasing as the EU works to manage migration more effectively. Stricter border security and asylum rules create challenges in balancing humanitarian needs with political demands.
As migration patterns change, policymakers must adjust their strategies to address both the root causes and the safety of those seeking refuge.
With these shifting trends, the coming months will play a key role in shaping Europe’s migration policies for 2025 and beyond.