Around 519,000 asylum applications were registered in the EU, Norway and Switzerland in the first six months of 2023 – 28 percent more than in the same period last year. Austria is in fifth place with 22,990 applications. In Hungary, there were only 22 asylum applications in the first half of the year.
According to figures published on Tuesday by the EU Asylum Agency (EUAA), Germany accounted for about 30 percent of asylum applications (154,677) at the end of June. Spain (86,786), France (81,158) and Italy (62,484) follow.
Graphic: Asylum applications in Europe
Europe: Highest half-year figures since 2015/2016
According to the EUAA, these are the highest half-year figures since 2015 and 2016. At the time, the civil war in Syria saw some 1.3 million and the following year some 1.2 million asylum applications in the 29 countries. In 2022, 994,945 applications have been submitted.
Numbers in Austria are falling
By contrast, in Austria, the number of asylum applications fell in the first six months of 2023 (compared to the first half of 2022) (see graph below).
“The number of asylum applications could reach one million by the end of this year”
The EUAA went on to say that given the “trends currently being observed”, “the number of asylum applications could exceed one million by the end of the year”. According to this data, most asylum applications in the first half of 2023 were submitted by people from Syria, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Turkey and Colombia. In total, they accounted for about 44 percent of applicants.
Numerous European countries are “under pressure” in processing asylum applications, the EUAA explains. The number of asylum applications pending a decision has increased by 34 percent compared to 2022. About 41 percent of the processed applications were approved.
Ukrainians are not considered asylum seekers
The approximately four million Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against their country are not asylum seekers. They enjoy a special protection status within the EU.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
