The EU hosts a record 64 million foreign-born residents, with migration continuing to grow strongly, though unevenly across countries. While Germany and Spain dominate in absolute numbers, smaller Member States often face greater relative pressure.
Migration from Iran and Lebanon largely follows existing diaspora routes, especially to Germany and Canada. If displacement rises, flows will likely concentrate in a few high-income countries, with education shaping how widely destinations are considered.
Migration aspirations in Ukraine fell sharply after 2022, dropping from about one-third of adults pre-war to under 15% by 2023–2024. The decline is widespread, likely reflecting stronger attachment and recovery optimism, with Germany still the top destination among those who wish to leave.
The EU refugee population rose from about 1 million in 2014 to 7.8 million in 2024, driven by Syria and then the larger post-2022 Ukraine inflow. Germany remains the main host, but growth has been faster and uneven across countries, increasing pressure on asylum systems.
Employment in the EU has risen for all groups. EU migrants have the highest rates, non-EU migrants have improved but still lag, mainly due to lower employment among non-EU women, while men’s rates are similar across groups.
