In Germany, the number of applications from Ukrainian citizens for temporary protection has significantly decreased. This has become one of the factors in the country losing its status as the most popular destination for asylum seekers in the EU — now first place is held by France. This is according to a confidential European Commission report published by Welt am Sonntag.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
In the first quarter of 2026, Germany registered 4,073 asylum applications from Ukrainians, which is 57% less than in the same period last year.
Overall, from January to March, the number of asylum applications in Germany amounted to 28,922, which is 23% less than a year earlier. For the first time since 2015, the country fell out of the leading positions and dropped to fourth place in the EU.
The reasons for this decline include the tightening of the European Union’s migration policy and a stricter approach by the German government to granting asylum.
In terms of application numbers, France now leads (34,643), followed by Spain (32,630) and Italy (32,602).
The report also notes that the lowest number of applications was recorded in Hungary and Slovakia, which experts describe as less attractive for asylum seekers.
Overall, in the 27 EU countries, as well as Norway and Switzerland, 173,082 applications were submitted in the first three months of the year — 18% more than a year earlier.
Experts note that the overall decline is mainly linked to a reduction in flows of Ukrainian and Syrian citizens, who previously made up a significant share of asylum seekers in the EU.