'Trend will continue': Number of people refused entry to Europe sees sharp rise

"In 2025, 132,600 non-EU citizens were refused entry at the EU external borders, 7 per cent more than in 2024, the EU statistical office has reported. The largest groups by nationality who were denied entry were Ukrainians (27,000), Albanians, Moldovans, Colombians, Turkish and Serbians. "Most of them were from countries that share land borders with the EU," noted Eurostat."

"Among those denied entry to the EU in 2025, there were also 1,855 Indian nationals, 1,240 Britons, and 965 US citizens. The highest number of refusals was recorded in Poland, followed by France, Croatia and Spain. Compared to 2024, the number of refusals declined in Denmark and Switzerland (which is not in the EU, but is part of the border-free Schengen area), while it increased significantly in Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, and also in Norway, which is also part of Schengen."

"Carmine Conte, Senior Legal Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Group, a think tank based in Brussels, said the data reflected a "stronger border enforcement implementation across Europe". He noted that more than 60 per cent of entry refusals at land were recorded in Poland, showing a "less welcoming" approach to Ukrainians compared to the beginning of the war. "This trend is likely to continue in line with the EU goal to reduce irregular migration and increase returns," he said."

"UK nationals represented the highest number denied entry in Malta, whilst they were the second highest in Denmark and Norway, and the third in Sweden. US nationals were the third largest group denied entry in Switzerland (95 individuals). The countries that refused the highest number of UK nationals from enteri"

In 2025, 132,600 non-EU citizens were refused entry at EU external borders, 7% more than in 2024. The largest nationality groups denied entry included Ukrainians (27,000), followed by Albanians, Moldovans, Colombians, Turkish nationals, and Serbians. Most refusals involved people from countries sharing land borders with the EU. Refusals also included 1,855 Indian nationals, 1,240 Britons, and 965 US citizens. The highest number of refusals occurred in Poland, then France, Croatia, and Spain. Refusals declined in Denmark and Switzerland but rose significantly in Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, and Norway, with slight increases in Germany and Austria. The data indicates stronger border enforcement and aims to reduce irregular migration and increase returns.

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