Refugee and Asylum Seeker Landscape in Europe, 2025
In 2025, the number of refugees and asylum seekers across Europe leveled off following ten years of continuous increase. According to a report from the Rockwool Foundation's Center for Migration Research and Analysis in Berlin, the total count of refugees and asylum seekers in the EU and the United Kingdom reached 9.59 million. Asylum applications fell to 770,000 in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of decline. For context, applications totaled 1.01 million in 2024 and 1.1 million in 2023.
Country-Level Trends
Individual countries show divergent patterns. Germany saw a 4.7% drop in its refugee and asylum seeker population, while Italy experienced a 17.9% decrease. Conversely, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom recorded increases. Notably, applications from Syrians plummeted by over 70% following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024. In contrast, applications from Venezuelans rose by 24%, reaching 91,000.
Ukrainians now account for nearly half of all refugees and asylum seekers in the EU and the UK.
"The era of rapid refugee growth in Europe appears to have come to an end," noted expert Tommaso Frattini.These figures signal a shift in regional migration dynamics, driven by a mix of political and economic factors.
The stabilization of refugee and asylum seeker numbers in Europe may reflect the impact of new policies and initiatives aimed at managing migration flows. The sharp decline in Syrian applications alongside the rise in Venezuelan ones likely stems from changing political conditions in those countries. An analysis of trends across European nations also highlights uneven responses to migration challenges, underscoring the need for tailored national strategies for refugees and immigrants.
As the landscape of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe evolves, the situation of Ukrainians remains particularly significant. Currently, over 4.4 million Ukrainians benefit from temporary protection across the continent, reflecting the ongoing impact of geopolitical factors. This phenomenon underscores the complexities of migration patterns and the varying responses of European nations to the changing demographics of displaced populations.