The number of people seeking asylum across Europe has fallen sharply in 2026, according to newly reported figures.
Die Zeit reports that around 453,000 asylum applications have been registered so far this year across the European Union, Norway and Switzerland, representing a decline of almost 25 percent compared with the same period last year.
Germany Sees Major Change
Germany, which for years was Europe's largest destination for asylum seekers, has experienced a substantial shift.
Official European Union Agency for Asylum data already showed Germany receiving around 54,000 applications during the first half of 2026, compared with approximately 69,000 in France and 66,000 in Italy.
The changing numbers mean France has overtaken Germany as the largest destination for asylum applications in the EU plus countries during that period.
Why Are Applications Falling?
The decline is not driven by one single factor.
The EUAA says applications from several major nationalities have fallen substantially, particularly among Venezuelans, Syrians, Colombians, Ukrainians and Turks.
Syrian applications have fallen especially sharply following political changes in Syria, while European governments have also strengthened cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
At the same time, applications from some groups, including Sudanese and Bangladeshis, have increased.
Europe Still Has a Large Backlog
Lower application numbers do not mean pressure on asylum systems has disappeared.
At the end of June, around 770,000 asylum cases were still awaiting a first decision across EU plus countries. When administrative and judicial stages are included, the EUAA estimated approximately 1.18 million cases remained pending.
Europe's asylum landscape is clearly changing, but migration remains one of the continent's biggest political and administrative challenges.
