Asylum Report 2025 - Executive summary

Nearly 14,000 refugees were resettled from third countries to the EU+ in 2024, the second-lowest number recorded since 2016, with the lowest being in 2020, when transfers were severely hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Germany and France accounted for almost 60% of the resettlements. Syrians remained the most resettled group, accounting for 40% of the total with 5,300 resettlements.

The existing pressure on national reception systems and, consequently, the lack of accommodation places was seen across EU+ countries as hindering the implementation of resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes. To alleviate the situation, dedicated groups within municipalities were set up in some countries to assist refugees in finding housing, with private individuals also providing their support. The shortage in reception capacity resulted in some countries putting their resettlement programmes on hold.

At an operational level, the volatile security situation in the Middle East due to the war in Gaza had a considerable impact on the organisation of selection missions, pre-departure orientation sessions and travel arrangements for selected refugees in those areas. In terms of refugee transfers, challenges persisted in obtaining exit permits from countries of departure, such as Iran, Lebanon and Pakistan, where exit fees are applicable.

Several national administrations turned to community sponsorship programmes to ease pressure on receptions systems and to foster inclusive and welcoming communities for integration. In 2024-2025, the focus continues to be on resettling Afghans and refugees in countries along the Central Mediterranean route, as well as from Central and South America. While Syrians have been at the forefront of EU efforts in recent years, the suspension of processing applications for international protection by Syrians in several EU+ countries until the situation stabilises in the country has also impacted decisions on the status of Syrian nationals identified for resettlement.