The number of Albanian asylum seekers in the European Union has seen a significant decline in 2024. According to Eurostat data, 6,800 Albanian nationals applied for international protection in EU countries, marking a 21% decrease compared to 2023. This also represents the lowest figure recorded in the past decade.
The report includes data from the first eleven months of the previous year and highlights that France remains the top destination for Albanian asylum seekers. In this period, 2,100 Albanian nationals applied for international protection in France, accounting for 31% of the total applications within the EU. Italy ranked second, receiving 1,735 applications, making up 26% of the total, followed by Germany with 1,355 applications (20%). Greece ranked fourth with 940 applications, while Belgium and Ireland recorded 335 and 165 applications, respectively.
The trend suggests that for many individuals from various countries, seeking asylum is no longer seen as the primary hope for a better life. The decline in applications is not limited to Albanians but extends to other nationalities as well.
General Decline in Asylum Applications Across the EU
In November 2024, a total of 75,045 first-time asylum applicants (non-EU nationals) sought international protection in EU countries. This marks a 14% decrease from October 2024 (86,920 applications) and a significant 31% drop compared to November 2023 (108,895 applications).
Syrian Nationals Lead in Asylum Applications
Despite the overall decline, Syrian nationals remained the largest group of asylum seekers, with 11,565 first-time applications in November 2024. They were followed by Venezuelans (7,210 applications) and Afghans (5,880 applications).
A total of 2,820 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum in the EU for the first time, with most of them originating from Syria (860), Egypt (395), and Afghanistan (385).
Key EU Countries Receiving the Majority of Asylum Applications
Four EU countries—Germany, Spain, Italy, and France—received the highest number of first-time asylum applications, accounting for 73% of the total applicants in November 2024. Germany recorded 16,820 applications, followed by Spain (14,925), Italy (11,620), and France (11,345).
The data underscores a shifting trend in migration patterns, particularly for Albanian nationals, who are now seeking alternative opportunities beyond the traditional asylum route. This decline could be influenced by changing socio-economic conditions, stricter immigration policies, or enhanced border controls in various EU member states.