The number of immigrants residing in EU countries rose to a record-high 64 million in 2025. These figures were revealed in a report published on Wednesday by the Centre for Research and Analysis on Migration at RFBerlin.

64.2 million is an increase of about 2.1 million compared to the previous year, and the growth has been rapid—back in 2010, the number stood at 40 million.

Germany remains the EU country with the largest number of foreign-born residents, nearing 18 million, of which 72 percent are of working age. Spain has recently seen the fastest increase, adding about 700,000 new residents to reach a total of 9.5 million foreign-born individuals.

“Germany is still the primary destination for migrants in Europe, both in absolute numbers and, to a significant extent, relative to its population,” says Tommaso Frattini, one of the authors of the report.

Asylum applications were also concentrated in certain countries, with Spain, Italy, France, and Germany accounting for nearly three-quarters of all applications. In 2025, Germany received the largest number of asylum seekers overall, totaling 2.7 million.

Germany’s share was highly concentrated, with Afghanistan and Syria together accounting for about 42 percent of applications, followed by Turkey (11 percent).

Spain shows an even stronger concentration: Venezuelans account for about 60 percent of applications, while Mali contributes another eleven percent.

The Pope: Build Up Your Countries

Pope Leo XIV, who is normally very positive toward immigration and multiculturalism, has been on tour in Africa. During a speech at the Catholic University of Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, he urged young people to strive to improve their own countries instead of migrating elsewhere in search of better opportunities.

“Faced with the understandable tendency to migrate—which can make one think a better future is more easily found elsewhere—I urge you first and foremost to respond with a burning desire to serve your country and to apply the knowledge you gain here for the benefit of your fellow citizens,” the Pope said.

Leo XIV also said that each country’s young generations should be engaged in society, reflect their nations’ needs, and tackle systemic problems at home.

Photo: Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar, CC BY-SA 4.0

“Africa must truly be freed from the scourge of corruption. For young people, this awareness must take root already during their years of education.”

“These are witnesses of wisdom and justice, which the African continent needs.”

He added that through education and spiritual formation, “you learn to become builders of the future for your respective countries and of a world that is more just and humane.”

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