Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
At a time when European Union countries are facing pressure to curb immigration amid electoral gains by the far-right in several member states, a report described as positive was released on Monday. The European Union Asylum Agency reported that asylum applications to EU countries fell by 23% during the first six months of 2025, driven by a significant drop in the number of Syrians seeking protection. The agency's data showed that Syrians submitted approximately 25,000 asylum applications in the 27 EU countries plus Switzerland and Norway (EU+), representing a 66% decline compared to the same period last year.
The agency explained in its report that this decline "is not linked to changes in EU+ policies," but rather to the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It added that "the new Syrian authorities advocate for stability and reconstruction, which has led many displaced Syrians to place greater hope in returning to rebuild their communities." According to the report, Syrians are no longer the largest group among asylum seekers, ranking third after Venezuelans and Afghans.
New destinations and different distributions: According to a report published by the European news network in Brussels, "Euronews," during the same period, France and Spain became the main destinations for asylum seekers, overtaking Germany, which had received the largest number in previous years. In total, EU+ countries registered 399,000 asylum applications in the first half of 2025, including about 49,000 from Venezuelans, whose country is suffering from stifling economic and political crises.
Political dimensions
The report is positive for EU countries, which are facing pressure to limit immigration amid electoral gains by the far-right in several member states. Earlier this year, the European Commission unveiled plans to facilitate the return of asylum seekers and deportations.