On 23 October 2026, the statistical office of the European Union (Eurostat) published its monthly report on international protection applications. In July 2026, non-EU citizens submitted 34,145 first-time asylum applications across EU member states. This represents a 39% decrease compared with July 2025 (55,830 applications) and an 8% decrease compared with June 2026 (37,155 applications).
In addition, 5,780 subsequent applicants reapplied for international protection in July 2026. Compared with July 2025 (11,945 subsequent applications), this figure dropped by 52%, and compared with June 2026 (5,905) it declined by 2%.
Main Countries of Citizenship and Distribution Across EU Member States
Citizens of Venezuela formed the largest group of first-time asylum seekers in the European Union in July 2026 (3,450 applicants). The top five countries of citizenship also included:
- Afghanistan — 2,885 applications;
- Bangladesh — 1,920 applications;
- Syria — 1,690 applications;
- Georgia — 1,450 applications.
Five EU member states accounted for 77% of all first-time asylum applications recorded in July 2026. Germany ranked fifth in the EU behind Italy, Spain, France, and Greece:
| EU Member State | First-time applications in July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Italy | 9,320 |
| Spain | 7,280 |
| France | 3,735 |
| Greece | 3,095 |
| Germany | 3,075 |
Relative to the population of each member state (based on Eurostat population data as of 1 January 2025), the EU average in July 2026 stood at 7.6 first-time asylum applicants per 100,000 inhabitants. The highest rates were recorded in Greece (29.8 per 100,000 inhabitants), Cyprus (26.2), and Italy (15.8).
Unaccompanied Minors and Methodological Changes Under the Migration Pact
In July 2026, 1,290 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum for the first time in the EU. The highest numbers of unaccompanied minor applicants came from Afghanistan (210), Egypt (200), as well as Somalia and Eritrea (135 each).
Among EU member states, the highest numbers of applications from unaccompanied minors in July 2026 were recorded in:
- Italy — 280 applications;
- Greece — 230 applications;
- Germany — 205 applications;
- Netherlands — 190 applications.
In its methodological notes, Eurostat points out that following the entry into application of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, starting from the reference month of July 2026, European asylum statistics refer to applications registered rather than applications formally lodged, and include newborn children of asylum applicants. Eurostat also notes that data on subsequent applicants were not fully provided by the Netherlands for July 2026, and data on unaccompanied minors were not provided by Cyprus.
Information Sources
- Official statistical release by Eurostat (34 145 first-time asylum applicants in July 2026), published on 23 October 2026.