![](https://oke-esc.eu/sites/default/files/first-time_asylum_seekers_by_citizenship_2020q2-02.jpg)
During the second quarter of 2020, some 46.500 first-time asylum seekers applied for international protection in the Member States of the European Union (EU). This was down by 69% compared with 150 100 recorded in the first quarter of 2020 and down by 68% compared with the second quarter of 2019 (143 700 applications). This sharp drop in asylum applications in the second quarter of 2020 in particular results from the COVID-19 emergency measures applied by the Member States starting from March 2020.
Source:
Eurostat, 22 September 2020