es.euronews.com
EU Asylum Applications Fall 11% in 2024, but Remain Above One Million
EU asylum applications dropped 11% in 2024 to 1,014,420, but remained above one million; nearly half were from citizens with historically low approval rates; Germany received the most applications (237,000), followed by Spain and Italy; the EU is considering external processing centers to address the issue.
- How did the nationalities of asylum seekers change in 2024, and what factors contributed to these shifts?
- The decrease in applications is uneven across nationalities. While applications from Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Colombia fell, Venezuelan applications surged to a record high (73,187), mainly in Spain. Increased applications from Mali and Senegal (due to the Sahel conflict) and a 90% rise in Ukrainian applications (linked to expiring temporary protection) also impacted the overall numbers.
- What were the key trends in asylum applications across the EU in 2024, and what are the immediate implications for national governments?
- The number of asylum applications in the EU, Norway, and Switzerland decreased by 11% in 2024 to 1,014,420, remaining above one million for the second consecutive year. Almost half (48%) of these applications were from citizens with historically low approval rates, suggesting many will likely be rejected. This will exacerbate concerns among EU member states.
- What are the long-term consequences of the high number of pending asylum cases and the varying success rates across EU countries, and how might the EU's proposed solutions impact the situation?
- The high number of pending cases (981,000) and the low approval rate for many applicants (48%) will continue to strain EU asylum systems. The EU's renewed return directive and plans for external processing centers aim to address this, potentially leading to increased deportations and further pressure on countries bordering conflict zones. The differing approval rates across EU nations (e.g., 98% for Afghans in Greece vs. 39% in Belgium) highlight inconsistencies in asylum processing.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily through the lens of EU concerns and anxieties about managing asylum applications. The headline highlights the decrease in applications, implying a success story, while downplaying the continued high number of applications and the challenges faced by asylum seekers. The focus on potential economic migrants and the proposed "return centers" reinforces a negative framing of asylum seekers.
Language Bias
The article uses language that could be interpreted as loaded or biased. Phrases like "immigrants económicos" (economic migrants) and the repeated reference to those whose applications are likely to be rejected, paints a negative picture of asylum seekers. The description of the proposed "return centers" is also potentially loaded. More neutral alternatives could include: "individuals seeking asylum" instead of "economic migrants", and focusing on the potential for streamlining the process instead of using the term "return centers.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the decrease in asylum applications and the concerns of EU member states, potentially omitting perspectives from asylum seekers themselves. The reasons behind the decrease in Syrian applications are mentioned but not explored in depth, while the increase in Venezuelan applications is attributed to the situation in Venezuela without further analysis. The article also doesn't explore the effectiveness of EU agreements with other countries to control migration. While space constraints are a factor, a more balanced perspective would strengthen the article.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as either economic migrants seeking better lives or genuine refugees fleeing persecution. This oversimplification ignores the complexities of individual situations and the motivations behind seeking asylum.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the EU in managing asylum applications, including concerns about irregular immigration, the need for stricter migration laws, and the potential for human rights violations in proposed "return centers". These issues directly relate to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The increasing number of asylum applications and the debate surrounding stricter laws and potential "return centers" outside EU territory signal the difficulties of achieving these goals.