In 2024, EU countries granted protection status to 437 900 asylum seekers, a 7% increase compared with 2023 (409 530).
Among these persons, 42% received refugee status, 39% were given subsidiary protection, and 19% received humanitarian status. Compared with 2023, the number of refugee status granted increased by 6% and subsidiary protection rose by 19%, while humanitarian status decreased by 9%.
The highest number of people who received protection status was reported by Germany (150 500, 34% of the EU total), ahead of France (65 230, 15%) and Spain (50 915, 12%). Together, these 3 countries granted 61% of all protection status at the EU level.
This information comes from data on asylum decisions published by Eurostat today. The article presents a selection of findings from the more detailed Statistics Explained article.
Source datasets: migr_asydcfsta and migr_asydcfina
Syrians, Afghans and Venezuelans: main beneficiaries of protection status
In 2024, most beneficiaries of protection status in the EU were Syrians (32% of the total number of people granted protection status in the EU). They were followed by Afghans (17%) and Venezuelans (8%).
51% of first instance decisions resulted in protection status
In 2024, 754 525 first instance decisions on asylum applications were made in the EU, and a further 185 455 final decisions following an appeal or review. Decisions made at the first instance resulted in 387 635 grants of protection status, while another 50 265 people received protection status after an appeal or review.
The recognition rate at the EU level, i.e. the share of all positive decisions among the total number of decisions, was 51% for first instance decisions. For final decisions on appeal or review, the recognition rate was 27%. These rates include both international (i.e. refugee status and subsidiary protection) and national protection status (humanitarian status based on national legislation).
Source datasets: migr_asydcfsta and migr_asydcfina
Among the 5 citizenships with the highest number of first instance decisions in 2024, Syrians (92%), Venezuelans (89%) and Afghans (81%) had the highest recognition rates.
For final instance decisions following an appeal or review, Syrians (72%), Afghans (42%) and Nigerians (30%) had the highest recognition rates.