Europe Sees a Surge in Asylum Applications, Approaching One Million Mark

Nearly One Million Asylum Applications in Europe

In the past year, almost one million people in Europe have applied for asylum, representing an increase of approximately 50 percent compared to 2021, according to the EU Asylum Agency. The majority of these applications were filed in Germany.

Nearly One Million Asylum Applications in Europe in 2022

The European Union recorded close to one million asylum applications in 2022. The EU Asylum Agency (EUAA) counted a total of 996,000 asylum applications across the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This marked a 50 percent increase compared to 2021.

Highest Number of Asylum Applications in Europe since 2016

The number of asylum applications has reached its highest level since 2016 when 1.2 million people applied for asylum in Europe. These recent figures do not include the up to four million war refugees from Ukraine who are granted temporary protection in the EU. Overall, approximately five million people sought refuge in Europe in 2022, according to the EUAA.

Majority of Asylum Seekers Come from Syria and Afghanistan

According to the EUAA, several EU countries reported more applications than ever before since the collection of Europe-wide records began in 2008. These countries include Austria, France, Spain, and Portugal. Germany recorded the highest number of applications, with around 244,000, followed by France (156,000), Spain (118,000), Austria (109,000), and Italy (84,000). These five countries accounted for 70 percent of all asylum applications.

The majority of applications were submitted by individuals from Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Venezuela, and Colombia. More than 70 percent of applicants were male. Among the applicants were 42,000 unaccompanied children and minors, the highest number since 2016. Nearly two-thirds of them were Afghan or Syrian. According to EU data, almost 40 percent of asylum applications were granted positive decisions, marking the highest recognition rate since 2017.

Wars, Climate, and Unrest Drive Migration

"The combination of crises, including new and ongoing conflicts, climate shocks, geopolitical unrest, violence, and persecution, compelled millions of people to flee their homes in 2022," the report states. "The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in one of the most rapidly evolving and largest displacement crises since World War II."

To expedite decision-making, member states agreed in early June to conduct asylum procedures directly at the EU external borders. This measure is primarily intended for applicants from countries such as Turkey, India, or Tunisia, who have low chances of being granted asylum.