In June 2025, Cyprus had one of the highest rates of asylum applications per capita in the European Union. According to Eurostat, Cyprus received 24.3 initial applications for every 100,000 inhabitants, placing it third in the EU after Greece (39.4) and Spain (25.8).
The overall picture in the European Union
In June 2025, a total of 52,265 first-time asylum applications were submitted by third-country nationals across the EU. This represented a 27% decrease compared to the same period in 2024 and a 5% decrease compared to May of that year.
However, the number of repeat applications increased — 8,140 were registered, which is 24% more than a year ago and 7% higher than in the previous month. The main countries of origin of applicants were Venezuela (7,615 people), Afghanistan (4,085 people), Bangladesh (2,735 people) and Syria (2,315 people).
Leaders in accepting applicants
Spain (12,645), Italy (9,765), France (9,510) and Germany (6,860) accepted the largest number of initial applications. These four countries accounted for almost three-quarters of all applications in the EU.
Despite its modest size and limited resources, Cyprus continues to be one of the countries most vulnerable to migration flows. This requires active coordination with European partners and additional support measures.
Decisions on applications and approval rates
In the second quarter of 2025, EU countries issued 194,730 initial decisions on asylum cases. Only 34% of these were positive (65,735 cases). This was 35% fewer than in the same period in 2024 and 1% fewer than in the first quarter of 2025. Of the positive decisions, 48% granted refugee status, 28% granted humanitarian protection and 24% granted subsidiary protection.
Spain (16,060), France (14,220) and Germany (13,450) approved the most applications. Citizens of Afghanistan (13,170), Venezuela (12,340) and Somalia (3,215) received the most frequent positive responses.
Special attention should be given to minors
Data on unaccompanied minors seeking protection in EU countries deserves special mention. In June 2025, 1,835 applications of this kind were registered. The largest number of refugee children came from Eritrea (460), Afghanistan (205), and Mali (190). The Netherlands (450), Spain (415), and Germany (270) accepted the largest number of applicants.
Trends and challenges for Cyprus and the EU
Although the number of first-time applications has declined across Europe, repeat applications and those from minors remain significant challenges. For Cyprus, the situation is exacerbated by its limited territory and resources, meaning that migration is one of the most important issues in both domestic and European politics.
Experts note that, in the coming years, important areas of focus will include reforming the European asylum system, strengthening control at the EU's external borders and developing integration programmes for those who have been granted protection.