**Cyprus Second in EU+ for Asylum Applications Per Capita**
In a recent report released by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Cyprus has emerged as the second-highest country in terms of asylum applications per capita among EU+ nations during the first half of 2026. The report highlights that Cyprus recorded 1,732 asylum applications per million inhabitants between January and June, significantly surpassing the EU+ average of 710 applications per million.
Only Greece reported a higher rate, with 2,254 applications per million inhabitants. Following Cyprus, Ireland recorded 1,132 applications per million, Italy 1,127, Spain 1,104, Switzerland 1,067, and Belgium 1,028. This data indicates a notable trend in the distribution of asylum applications across Europe, particularly in smaller nations like Cyprus.
Despite a general decline of 17 percent in asylum applications for international protection across Europe, Cyprus's figures stand out. The EUAA noted that this decline represents the lowest number of applications recorded in the first half of the year since 2021, with approximately 332,000 applications lodged across the EU+ during this period. This decline is particularly significant when compared to the numbers from previous years, excluding the pandemic-affected years of 2020 and 2021, marking the lowest total since 2019.
The report also emphasizes the importance of considering asylum applications alongside other forms of protection. At the end of June, Cyprus was hosting 27 beneficiaries of temporary protection per 1,000 inhabitants, further underscoring its high rate of protection relative to its population size. The EUAA described Cyprus as an “extreme case” due to its high rankings in both asylum applications and temporary protection beneficiaries.
In contrast, countries with lower asylum application rates may still host substantial numbers of individuals under other forms of protection. For instance, Poland recorded only 87 asylum applications per million inhabitants but had 26 temporary protection beneficiaries per 1,000 people. Similarly, Slovakia had just 12 asylum applications per million but hosted 27 beneficiaries of temporary protection per 1,000 inhabitants.
The report also delves into the nationalities of those applying for asylum. Afghans led the applications in the first half of 2026, with approximately 39,000 applications, despite a seven percent decrease compared to the previous year. They were followed by Venezuelans, who submitted around 33,000 applications, and Bangladeshis with 20,000. Other notable nationalities included Egyptians and Turks, each with around 12,000 applications, along with Sudanese and Syrians, who accounted for approximately 11,000 applications each.
The report highlighted significant decreases in applications from certain nationalities, particularly Syrians, whose applications fell by 57 percent compared to the first half of 2025 and by 85 percent compared to the same period in 2024. This decline has been linked to the political developments following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, which led to a large-scale return of individuals to Syria. However, the EUAA cautioned that these returns should not be interpreted as a sign that conditions in Syria have become safe or that the displacement crisis has been resolved. Ongoing insecurity, damaged infrastructure, limited livelihoods, and substantial humanitarian needs persist in the region.
As of the end of June, approximately 770,000 asylum cases were awaiting a first-instance decision across the EU+, reflecting an eight percent decrease from the previous year. However, the EUAA noted that the remaining caseload is becoming older, with around 565,000 cases, or 73 percent, pending for more than six months.
The findings from the EUAA report underscore the complex landscape of asylum applications in Europe, particularly in smaller nations like Cyprus, which continue to face significant pressures related to international protection. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for policymakers to consider the unique challenges and contributions of countries like Cyprus in the broader context of asylum and migration in the EU+.