Asylum applications plummet across EU as governments push for deportation hubs
"Europe’s new migration policy is delivering results," said Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.
EU asylum applications have dropped significantly in 2026, according to new data released by the European Union Agency for Asylum. The figure stands at 332,000 applications lodged in EU and Schengen zone countries during the first half of the year, marking a 17% reduction compared to the previous year. EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated that the figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Europe's new migration policy, calling for continued efforts at Europe's borders.
The EU agreed on new rules earlier in the year, allowing countries to establish "return hubs" in third countries like Albania and Rwanda for unsuccessful asylum seekers and other failed migrants. The policy has also resulted in the creation of lists of safe countries from which refugees are unlikely to be accepted, with limited exceptions.
As far-right parties have gained ground in the polls ahead of significant elections in France, Germany, Italy, and other EU nations, governments are urging Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to use her upcoming State of the Union speech to showcase how mainstream politicians can respond effectively to migration concerns. Germany, which is advocating for more powers to remove failed asylum seekers, experienced a 50% year-on-year decrease in applications. Despite this, its far-right Alternative for Germany party continues to enjoy electoral success.
Sweden, which has been among the EU members most opposed to unregulated migration, recorded its lowest number of applications in four decades with just 8,485 in 2026. Denmark, another staunch opponent of unrestricted migration, saw its fewest applications since 1976, with 1,835 by the end of November. Austria recorded its fewest applications in 23 years, and it has returned more failed asylum seekers than new arrivals.
Meanwhile, illegal border crossings have fallen by 55% over the past two years, with Brussels having negotiated agreements with neighboring countries such as Turkey and Serbia to curb irregular migration.
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