The EUAA’s Mid-Year Review of the Latest Asylum Trends shows that the decrease in applications continued the trend observed since late 2024. The Agency attributed the development partly to changes in the composition of applicant nationalities, in the context of the ongoing political transition in Syria, as well as to EU cooperation with countries of origin and transit. The escalation of hostilities in the Middle East had not resulted in an increase in asylum applications in the EU+ during the reporting period.

Key figures for January–June 2026 include:

• Applications: EU+ countries received around 332.000 applications. France received the highest number (69.000), followed by Italy (66.000), Spain (55.000) and Germany (55.000). Greece recorded the highest number per capita, with around one application per 400 residents.
   
• Main nationalities: Afghan nationals lodged 39.000 applications, a 7% decrease compared with the first half of 2025. Venezuelan applications fell by almost one third to 33.000, while Bangladeshi applications increased by 13% to 20.000.
   
• Recognition rate: The EU+ first-instance recognition rate stood at 31%. Nearly 56% of applications were lodged by nationals of countries meeting at least one of the criteria for the application of the border or accelerated examination procedures under the new EU asylum rules.
   
• Pending cases: Around 770.000 cases were pending at first instance at the end of June, 8% fewer than a year earlier. Cases pending for more than six months accounted for 73% of the caseload, compared with 68% a year earlier.

For further details, please read the press release from the EUAA.