Eurostat: first-time asylum applications fall to 34,145 in July

Eurostat said that in July 2026, "34 145 non-EU citizens submitted a first-time application for international protection in EU countries", "39% fewer than in July 2025 (55 680)" and "8% fewer than in June 2026 (37 075)". Afghanistan was the largest group of first-time applicants (3,100), followed by Sudan (2,605), Bangladesh (2,255) and Syria (1,420). Eurostat notes a methodology change from July 2026 under the Pact on Migration and Asylum.