Asylum applications from Albanians have decreased in 2024. According to Eurostat data, 6.8 thousand Albanian nationals applied for international protection in EU countries, marking a 21% decline from 2023 and the lowest figure in a decade.

The report provides data for the first 11 months of the previous year. France remains the top destination for Albanian asylum seekers, with 2,100 applications, accounting for 31% of the total applications in the EU. Italy ranks second with 1,735 applications (26%), followed by Germany with 1,355 applications (20%). Greece is the fourth most preferred country, receiving 940 applications, while Belgium (335) and Ireland (165) follow.

For many nationals from different parts of the world, asylum is no longer their primary hope for a better life, as application numbers have declined across the board.

In November 2024, a total of 75,045 first-time asylum applicants (non-EU nationals) sought international protection in EU countries, representing a 14% decrease compared to October 2024 (86,920) and a 31% drop from November 2023 (108,895).

In November 2024, Syrians remained the largest group of asylum seekers, with 11,565 first-time applicants, followed by Venezuelans (7,210) and Afghans (5,880).

A total of 2,820 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum for the first time in the EU, with most coming from Syria (860), Egypt (395), and Afghanistan (385).

Germany (16,820), Spain (14,925), Italy (11,620), and France (11,345) continued to receive the highest number of first-time asylum applications, accounting for 73% of all first-time applicants in the EU.