Ankara: The number of asylum applications in EU+ countries has reached its lowest first-half level since 2021, as reported by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) on Thursday. In the first six months of 2026, approximately 332,000 applications for international protection were lodged, marking a 17% decline compared to the same period last year.

According to Anadolu Agency, the EU+ encompasses the 27 EU member states along with Norway and Switzerland. The agency attributed the decline to changes in the nationalities seeking asylum, influenced by Syria's 'fragile but ongoing political transition,' as well as EU cooperation with countries of origin and transit. Notably, the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East have not led to an increase in asylum applications in the EU+.

Afghans accounted for the highest number of applications, totaling 39,000, though this represented a 7% decrease from the previous year. Venezuelan applications fell by nearly one-third to 33,000, with 93% of these applications submitted in Spain. Conversely, applications from Bangladeshis increased by 13% to 20,000.

France emerged as the leading recipient of asylum applications, with 69,000 applications, making up about one-fifth of the EU+ total. Italy followed with 66,000 applications, while Spain and Germany each received 55,000 applications. These four countries collectively accounted for approximately three-quarters of all applications.

Greece reported the highest number of applications relative to its population, with 23,000 applications, equating to roughly one application for every 400 residents. The EU+ recognition rate stood at 31%, indicating that fewer than one-third of first-instance decisions resulted in the granting of international protection.

Additionally, around 56% of applications were from nationalities potentially subject to border or accelerated procedures under the EU's new asylum rules, due to low recognition rates or designation as safe countries of origin.