In August 2024, Greece reported the highest rate of first-time asylum applications in the EU relative to its population, with 59.9 applications per hundred thousand people. This figure far exceeded the EU average of 15.4, underscoring the country’s pivotal role in managing migration flows to Europe.
Across the EU, 69,270 first-time asylum seekers (non-EU citizens) applied for international protection in August, marking a significant 24.8% decrease compared to the 92,055 applications in August 2023. In addition, 6,285 individuals submitted subsequent asylum applications, reflecting a 4.6% increase from the same period last year.
Syrians, Afghans, and Venezuelans continued to form the largest groups of asylum seekers in the EU. Syrians accounted for 13,340 first-time applicants, followed by Afghans (5,605) and Venezuelans (4,690).
While Germany (18,425), Spain (10,580), France (10,035), and Italy (9,620) together received 70% of first-time applications, Greece’s asylum application rate stood out when adjusted for population size.
Among the EU's 2,980 unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in August, 365 applied in Greece, the fourth-highest figure in the bloc. Most of these minors were from Syria (1,090), Afghanistan (360), Egypt (275), and Somalia (225), reflecting the complex demographic challenges of migration.
This data, published today by Eurostat, underscores Greece’s central position in the EU’s migration landscape.
Read more: Eurostat reports
(Source: Eurostat)