Europe’s Refugee and Asylum-Seeker Population Levels Off After Years of Increase
Stabilization of Refugee and Asylum-Seeker Numbers in Europe
By Maria Martinez
Recent Trends in Asylum Applications
BERLIN, June 19 (Reuters) - Europe's refugee and asylum-seeker population stabilised in 2025 after more than a decade of growth, as asylum applications fell for a second consecutive year, according to a report by the Centre for the Research and Analysis of Migration at the Rockwool Foundation Berlin seen by Reuters on Friday.
The number of refugees and asylum seekers in the European Union and Britain stood at 9.59 million in 2025, little changed from 9.58 million a year earlier, marking a sharp shift from the rapid increases seen after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Asylum applications fell to 770,000 in 2025 from 1.01 million in 2024 and 1.1 million in 2023, the report said.
Expert Commentary
"The period of rapid growth in Europe's refugee population appears to have come to an end," said Tommaso Frattini, deputy director at the institute.
Country-Specific Developments
Immigration has become a contentious issue in many European countries in recent years amid a rise in support for far-right and right-wing populist parties.
Population Changes by Country
The stable overall figure masked differences between countries: Germany, Europe's largest host country, recorded a 4.7% decline in its refugee and asylum-seeker population and Italy saw a 17.9% drop, while France, Spain and Britain recorded increases.
Germany’s Decline Explained
The report said Germany's decline largely reflected lower inflows and the naturalisation of earlier refugee groups, especially Syrians and Iraqis, rather than departures.
Shifts in Asylum Applications by Nationality
Syrians filed more than 70% fewer asylum applications after the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024, while applications from Venezuelans rose 24% to 91,000.
Ukrainian Refugees Remain a Significant Group
Ukrainians still account for nearly half of all refugees and asylum seekers in the EU and Britain, the report said.
(Reporting by Maria Martinez)
