Migration News of the Week: Where to Go and Work in Europe

Europe is tightening its migration policies. The share of approved asylum applications has dropped to record lows, while integration remains uneven. Germany is reversing naturalization reforms, and only a few countries—such as Sweden, Portugal, and Finland—still maintain relatively open systems. But even there, applying under other grounds, such as digital nomad visas, looks far more promising.

German Citizenship: No More Fast Track

The Bundestag has approved the cancellation of the accelerated naturalization path that previously allowed foreigners to obtain a German passport in just three years. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new government is fulfilling its campaign promises.

The five-year citizenship rule from the previous administration remains in force, but there are discussions about returning to the former eight-year requirement. For now, the tougher policy mainly targets irregular migrants and asylum seekers.

The number of foreigners obtaining German citizenship has grown steadily, hitting a record 46% increase in 2024, totaling 292,000 new citizens—the highest since data collection began in 2000. Remarkably, the number of new German citizens from Russia rose by 551%, from 1,995 to 12,980, driven largely by the legalization of dual citizenship.

The largest groups of new citizens were Syrians (83,000), Turks (22,500), and Iraqis (13,500). The average residency before naturalization was 11.8 years, while for Russians it was 14.5 years, and for Turks, over 23 years. Only 7% of all new citizens used the accelerated procedure, which required exceptional integration: fluent German (C1 level), stable employment, and social engagement.

The Bundestag’s vote is just the first step—the reform still needs final approval—but no one doubts it will pass.

Asylum in the EU: Sharp Decline in Approvals

In the first half of 2025, EU member states received
399,000 asylum applications, 23% fewer than in the same period of 2024. The average approval rate fell to 25%, the lowest on record. Syrians still hold the highest share of approvals, followed by Mali (up from 41% in 2021 to 79% in 2025) and Haiti (from 10% to 86%).

For the first time in a decade, Venezuelans overtook Syrians as the largest applicant group. France and Spain now lead in total applications, surpassing Germany.

According to the EU Asylum Agency (EUAA), Venezuelans submitted 49,000 applications (+31% year-over-year), mainly to Spain, which offers linguistic proximity, diaspora support, and special protection status for Latin Americans.

Afghans ranked second (42,000 applications), and Syrians dropped to third (25,000, –66%). The fall is linked to political shifts after the Assad regime’s decline and the suspension of Syrian asylum processing in some EU states.

Applications from Bangladesh and Turkey both reached 17,000, down 26% and 41% respectively. Ukrainian asylum requests rose by 29%, primarily in France and Poland, though they remain marginal compared to the 4.3 million Ukrainians under temporary protection.

By country, France (78,000) led in applications, followed by Spain (77,000), Italy (64,000), and Greece, which had the highest ratio per capita—one request for every 380 residents.

Integration: Where Migrants Feel Included

The new Migration Policy Group Index (MIPEX 2025) shows that migrant integration in the EU has slowed. The average EU score increased slightly to 54/100, with “old” member states averaging 63 points and “new” ones only 44.

Sweden (86), Finland (84), and Portugal (83) lead the index. They’re followed by Belgium, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, Italy, and France. The weakest results belong to Cyprus and Hungary (41), Bulgaria and Slovakia (39), Lithuania (37), and Latvia (36).

The biggest progress was in anti-discrimination (78), with Belgium, Finland, Portugal, and Romania at the top. Permanent residence is easiest to obtain in Finland, Sweden, and Hungary, while labor and education access is best in Portugal and the Nordic countries.

However, citizenship access (44) and political participation (37) remain the weakest categories. More liberal regimes still exist in Portugal, Sweden, and Luxembourg, while Austria and Bulgaria remain the strictest. Experts warn that tightening national laws could undermine long-term integration goals.

Digital Nomads: Working and Living in the North

Northern Europe continues to attract digital nomads through initiatives like Arctic Digital Nomads, which invite freelancers to live and work in remote towns and villages. Participants are offered free housing, coworking spaces, and high-speed internet, in exchange for community engagement—teaching workshops, organizing cultural events, and sharing skills.

The program began in Norway in 2024, with participants in the fjordside villages of Geiranger, Norddal, and Eidsdal—part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. About 15 participants—designers, developers, illustrators—took part in the first cycle, and some chose to stay permanently.

Now, the project has expanded to Faroe Islands (Vágur municipality) and Iceland (Westfjords region), where participants work in spaces like Blábankinn Coworking in Thingeyri, one of the few remote work hubs in northwest Iceland.

The initiative’s partner, EDIN (Empowering Digital Innovators in Northern Communities), helps northern regions develop digital infrastructure and create a network of remote-work-ready settlements. Applications for the 2025 cycle close on October 15, but new rounds are expected next year.