Last year, the EU countries have received 435 thousand applications for asylum, according to ee24.com citing Eurostat. 9 out of 10 were primary, 1 of 10 were repetitive. In comparison with 2012, the number of people wishing to come to the European Union increased by 100 thousand.
People most often sought for shelter in Germany (127 thousand or 29%), France (15%), Sweden (13%), the UK (7%) and Italy (6%), least often - in Latvia (195 people) and Estonia (95 people).
The greatest number of applications came from Syrians (50 thousand or 12%), Russians (41 thousands or 10%), Afghans (6%), Serbs (5%) and Pakistanis (5%). For five years, the number of Syrians who wish to move to the EU increased by more than 10 times, the Russians - twofold.
Russians were the leading nation who requested for asylum in Austria, Belgium and Poland. They were the 2nd leading nation who sought for shelter in Germany, Denmark and Finland (235 among 3210 in the latter).
It should be noted that only one third of petitions were granted. Last year, 326 thousand cases were considered, and for 113 thousand of them favourable decisions were made.