The latest monthly Eurostat report on asylum applications in the European Union for August 2025 again shows a scenario marked by contrasts: while first-time applications continue to fall sharply, there has been a very significant increase in applications from people who previously received a negative decision and are returning to the EU asylum system.
Despite a clear moderation in the demand for international protection, the figures confirm that administrative and operational pressure on Member States remains high.
⏺️ Sharp decline in first-time applications, record levels of subsequent applicants
In August 2025, EU Member States registered 51,465 first-time asylum applications, representing:
- A 27% decrease compared with August 2024 (70,290).
- A 7% decrease compared with July 2025 (55,390).
This continues the downward trend in new applications observed since spring, indicating a sustained slowdown.
However, the other side of the asylum system shows a very different picture. Eurostat recorded 13,780 subsequent applicants (people who had already received a final rejection and are submitting a new claim). This represents:
- A 117% increase compared with August 2024 (6,345).
- A 20% rise compared with July 2025 (11,505).
This surge highlights a growing phenomenon: individuals whose situation in Europe remains precarious and who, lacking alternatives, attempt to reopen asylum procedures that were already concluded.
⏺️ Afghanistan leads applications, followed by Venezuela
The main countries of origin of first-time asylum applicants in August 2025 were:
- Afghanistan: 5,260 first-time applications
- Venezuela: 5,180
- Syria: 2,825
- Bangladesh: 2,785
The composition reflects a balance between:
- Protracted conflicts and severe humanitarian crises (Afghanistan, Syria)
- Socio-economic migration from Latin America and Asia (Venezuela, Bangladesh)
⏺️ France, Italy, Spain and Germany account for 68% of applications
The countries receiving the highest number of first-time applications were:
- France: 9,735
- Italy: 9,075
- Spain: 8,470
- Germany: 7,800
Together, these four Member States accounted for 68% of all first-time asylum applications submitted in the EU in August.
When comparing the number of applications relative to population size, the highest rates were registered in:
- Greece: 65.2 applications per 100,000 inhabitants
- Cyprus: 23.9
- Belgium: 20.2
Spain remains above the EU average, consolidating its position as one of the Member States receiving the highest number of applications, both in absolute and relative terms.
⏺️ 1,840 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum in August
The protection of unaccompanied minors remains one of the most sensitive indicators of the European asylum system. In August, 1,840 first-time applications were filed by unaccompanied minors.
Main countries of origin:
- Egypt: 385 minors
- Afghanistan: 200
- Somalia: 195
- Eritrea: 190
EU Member States receiving the highest numbers were:
- Greece: 515
- Netherlands: 335
- Germany: 240
These figures highlight the need to maintain robust, agile and specialised child-protection mechanisms to support a highly vulnerable group.
⏺️ A system under continued pressure
The August data confirms several persistent trends throughout 2025:
- A marked decline in first-time applications
- An exponential rise in subsequent applications
- A high proportion of vulnerable applicants, including unaccompanied minors
Pressure remains concentrated in a small number of Member States, underscoring once again the need for effective European cooperation to balance responsibility and prevent the saturation of national systems.
In a context shaped by global instability, prolonged conflicts and sustained migration flows, the coming months will require the European Union to adopt a dual approach: ensuring an orderly and predictable management of procedures, while guaranteeing effective protection for those who genuinely meet the international criteria for asylum.
⏺️ Do you need legal advice on asylum and international protection?
At ARC Legal, we have extensive experience handling asylum applications and appeals against negative decisions. If you need guidance on your case, do not hesitate to contact us.
Related articles
- Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in the EU: September 2025 Statistics
- Spain registers over 108,000 asylum applications in the first nine months of 2025
- EU Council Recommendation on the transition after Temporary Protection for Ukrainians
Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: Asilo en la UE: caen las primeras solicitudes y se disparan las reaperturas (agosto 2025)
The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, immigration regulations are subject to change and to interpretation by the competent authorities. For personalised and up-to-date advice, we recommend consulting a specialised lawyer.