The number of asylum applications submitted in Germany has dropped drastically. In the period from January 1 to June 30, 65,495 asylum applications were submitted throughout the country, CO is a 43 % decrease compared to the same period last year. This is due to the confidential report of the European Commission, to which only “Welt am Sonntag” has access.
For the first time in years, Germany is no longer a leader in Europe in terms of the number of asylum applications, currently taking third place. Most asylum applications in the EU were recorded in Spain (76 020), and then in France (75 428). At the end of the list were Hungary (47 applications for asylum), Slovakia (84) and Lithuania (152).
However, this is not the end.
In general, the number of people applying for asylum in EU countries and in Norway and Switzerland also decreases. In total, 388 299 applications were reported in the report, which is A decrease by 23 percent Compared to the first half of 2024. Throughout the EU, most people applying for protection came from Venezuela (48 413), Afghanistan (41 127) and Syria (23 307).
Spain is the most popular target for Venezuelans, while Germany is a definite favorite among Afghans and Syrians. Most people applying for asylum in Germany came from Afghanistan (22 percent), Syria (20 %) and Turkey (11 %).
– explains Lena Duepont (CDU), an EU expert on migration. New aid packages, partly worth billions of euros, which the European Commission, chaired by the chairman of Ursula von der Leyen, in the past awarded countries such as Tunesia or Egypt, are indeed considered extremely effective.
The contract is as follows: these countries can use EU loans and investments to improve national healthcare and education, but also to expand security and protect borders. The goal is to strengthen the economic of these countries, and thus limit the causes of migration.
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Difficult situation in Libya
After a significant decrease in the number of asylum applications submitted in Germany and Europe, there were voices demanding further steps to limit migration. The report shows that “funds are effective,” said MEP Jan Christoph Oetjen (FDP). – However, you can't rest on your laurels. We must continue to ensure that the issue of migration throughout the EU is controlled – he points out. This also includes strengthening Frontex to protect external boundaries. – This is where we have to start and further expand the borders protection agency – he adds.
Despite the decrease in the number of asylum applications Brussels is particularly concerned about one issue. For months, more and more people are running away from Libya – One of the countries in North Africa with which the EU concluded a partnership agreement. In the ongoing civil war, a key role is played by Russia, the rebel general of Chalif Haftar, supported by Russia. Particularly affected by the new influx of migrants from Libya is the Greek island of Crete, where there is a lack of places for refugees. It is estimated that about 90,000 are waiting for the crossing of Europe in Libya. people.
Jaime Perez Rivero / Anadol / Anadol Via AFP / AFP
Łódź with 86 people on board, including 8 women, 10 children and a baby, from Sudan, Mali, Nigeria and Ghana, who sailed from the Coast of Libya on June 5, 2025, heading towards Europe through the Mediterranean Sea, June 8, 2025.
The EU commissioner for migration Magnus Brunner, who seven months after taking up the position, is already very respectful in EU capitals, will go to Libya next week to talk. “This is the right step,” says CDU Duepont politician. – Closing your eyes to problems and reacting only when people are on their way to Europe and expose themselves to death in the Mediterranean, would be a complete mistake.
According to an internal expert in the European Parliament, it is important to “provide people with the best support from a possible escape from the country of origin or transit.” This also includes “cooperation with difficult partners”.
In the background of this situation, there are allegations regarding human rights violation by the UN of the Libyan government of national unity led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeiba. It is also possible that Russia is trying to fuel the tense situation by its influence on the competing general Haftar with him to put pressure west as part of the hybrid war by increasing migration.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.