Illegal border crossings in the EU have fallen by 55% over two years — Politico
In the first six months of the year, approximately 332,000 asylum applications were filed in EU and Schengen Area countries. This is 17% fewer than during the same period in 2025. The data is set to be released by the EU Asylum Agency, which coordinates support among member states on migration and refugee issues. Officials in Brussels attribute the decline to stricter migration policies.
“The numbers speak for themselves: Europe’s new migration policy is yielding results. We need to continue strengthening our efforts at Europe’s external borders,” said Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration.
A particularly noticeable decline was recorded in Germany, where the number of asylum applications fell by 50% year-over-year. At the same time, Berlin is seeking broader powers to deport those whose asylum applications have been denied.
In a number of other countries, figures have also fallen to multi-year lows. Sweden registered 8,485 applications last year—the lowest number in 40 years. In Denmark, 1,835 applications were filed by the end of November, marking a historic low. Austria, for its part, recorded its lowest figure in 23 years. Furthermore, the country returned more rejected asylum seekers than it accepted new applicants.
At the same time, the EU is tightening rules on the return of migrants. Earlier this year, EU member states agreed to the possibility of establishing so-called return centers in third countries, specifically in Albania and Rwanda, where people whose asylum applications have been denied can be sent.
Brussels has also compiled lists of so-called “safe countries.” Applicants from these countries will find it more difficult to obtain asylum, except in exceptional cases. Another factor has been the decline in illegal border crossings. According to EU data, their number has fallen by 55% over the past two years.
Brussels attributes this, in particular, to agreements with neighboring countries—including Turkey and Serbia—aimed at curbing irregular migration.
Despite the drop in the number of applications, migration remains one of the main political issues in Europe. Against the backdrop of growing support for far-right parties ahead of elections in France, Germany, Italy, and other countries, governments are calling on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to demonstrate that centrist parties are capable of effectively responding to migration challenges.
Source: Politico.
Can the EU bring back Ukrainian men of draft age? Expert opinions.
A new system for recruiting volunteers from abroad has been launched in Ukraine.
