Asylum decisions down by 18% in 2025

In 2025, EU countries granted protection status to 361 325 asylum seekers, an 18% decrease compared with 2024 (437 735). Of these, 51% were granted refugee status, 25% humanitarian status and 24% subsidiary protection. Compared with 2024, the number of refugee status recipients declined by 0.5%, while subsidiary protection decreased by 50% and humanitarian status rose by 11%. 

The highest number of people who received protection status was reported by Germany (103 360, 29% of the EU total), ahead of Spain (76 210, 21%) and France (72 930, 20%). Together, these 3 countries granted 70% of all protection status at the EU level. 

This information comes from data on asylum decisions published by Eurostat today. The article presents a selection of findings from the more detailed Statistics Explained article. 

Afghans main beneficiaries of protection status

In 2025, most beneficiaries of protection status in the EU were Afghans (27% of the total number of people granted protection status in the EU), followed by Venezuelans (16%), Syrians and Ukrainians (both 5%). 

Source datasets: migr_asydcfsta and migr_asydcfina

39% of first instance decisions resulted in protection status

In 2025, 832 360 first instance decisions on asylum applications were made in the EU, and a further 170 175 final decisions following an appeal or review. First instance decisions granted protection status to 325 765 people, and further 35 565 people received protection status after an appeal or review.

The recognition rate at the EU level, i.e. the share of all positive decisions among the total number of decisions, was 39% for first instance decisions. For final decisions following an appeal or review, the recognition rate was 21%. These rates include both international (i.e. refugee status and subsidiary protection) and national protection status (humanitarian status based on national legislation).

Source datasets: migr_asydec1pc and migr_asydecfp 

Among the 5 citizenships with the highest number of first instance decisions in 2025, Venezuelans (92%), Afghans (73%) and Turks (13%) had the highest recognition rates. 

For final instance decisions following an appeal or review, recognition rates were highest for Syrians (67%), Afghans (36%) and Iraqis (18%).