In November 2025, the number of people seeking international protection in European Union countries continued its downward trend, according to data

published today by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office. 

A total of 54 825 first-time asylum applications from non-EU citizens were lodged last month — a 26 % drop compared with November 2024 and a 12 % decrease from October 2025 figures. 

Rising subsequent applications but overall downward trend

Alongside first-time requests, there were 11 455 subsequent applications — cases filed by people who have previously applied for asylum. While this figure is 62 % higher than in November 2024, it still represents a 23 % fall from October 2025. 

Citizenship patterns: Venezuelans most numerous

Among new asylum seekers in November, Venezuelans made up the largest group, with 8 060 first-time applicants, followed by nationals from Afghanistan (5 125), Bangladesh (3 585) and Syria (2 365). 

Distribution across EU member states

Italy received the highest number of first-time applications (12 195), closely followed by Spain (11 875), France (8 845) and Germany (8 740), together accounting for 76 % of all first-time asylum claims across the EU. 

When adjusted for population size, the EU recorded 12.2 first-time applications per 100 000 inhabitants in November. Greece had the highest rate (42.4), with Spain (24.2) and Italy (20.7) also above the EU average. 

Unaccompanied minors

In November 2025, 1 370 unaccompanied children applied for asylum for the first time in EU countries. The largest groups came from Somalia (245), Eritrea (160), Afghanistan and Venezuela (135 each), and Egypt (130). 

The highest numbers of applications from unaccompanied minors were recorded in the Netherlands (375), Germany (265), Greece (185), Spain (155) and Belgium (95).  Photo by Ggia, Wikimedia commons.