Afghan Refugees Accounted for 27 Percent of EU Asylum Approvals in 2025

Afghan nationals represented 27 percent of all positive asylum decisions across the European Union in 2025, maintaining their position as the largest group to receive international protection in the bloc, according to newly released data from Eurostat. The European Union’s statistical office reported approximately 361,325 positive asylum decisions for the year, reflecting a decline of nearly 20 percent compared to 2024.

Germany processed the highest volume of approvals, recording more than 103,000 positive decisions. This figure accounted for nearly 29 percent of the EU-wide total. Following Afghan applicants, Venezuelan citizens made up 16 percent of the accepted cases. Syrian and Ukrainian nationals each represented 5 percent of the approvals, rounding out the top nationalities receiving protection status.

The overall reduction in approvals coincided with a significant shift in the types of protection granted. Data indicates that subsidiary protection grants across the EU fell by approximately 50 percent compared to the previous year. Despite the broader contraction in asylum acceptances, Afghan applicants continued to secure the highest share of positive rulings. The figures underscore the ongoing migration patterns from Afghanistan to Europe, even as regional authorities adjust their processing volumes and protection frameworks. Eurostat’s annual report provides the most comprehensive overview of asylum trends within the 27-member bloc for the reporting period.