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Important news from EUAA and the world of COI

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The News section aims to inform users about recent COI publications or upcoming workshops/conferences. EUAA selects information provided in the News section according to its relevance to the COI and asylum fields. EUAA welcomes suggestions to insert a particular news (event, publication).

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18 December 2025

Colombia: New EUAA report highlights the civilian impact of evolving conflict dynamics

The EUAA has published today its latest Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Colombia. It comes as the civilian population continues to bear the brunt of 8 non-international armed conflicts taking place within the country's borders, despite President Gustavo Petro Urrego's government's efforts to advance its 'Total Peace' policy. The report is intended to support EU+ asylum authorities in making well-informed decisions on asylum applications lodged by Colombians in the EU+.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published an updated Country of Origin Information Report (COI) – Colombia: Country Focus. The report, which updates the previous edition published in 2022, provides an overview of the armed conflicts unfolding in the country, the activities of armed and criminal groups, the human rights conditions affecting civilians, and relevant state mechanisms for protection and justice.

Between 2023 and 2025, Colo​mbia has witnessed ongoing armed conflict and violence. The EUAA report notes that a range of non-state armed actors—including the National Liberation Army (ELN), dissident factions of the former FARC-EP, AGC, and various criminal organisations – are active and have expanded their territorial presence.

The breakdown of ceasefire arrangements and the suspension of peace negotiations with key armed groups in 2024 and 2025 contributed to renewed confrontations and increased risks for local populations. While armed confrontations with State forces have decreased, clashes among these armed groups have increased. In fact, in many municipalities, such groups continued to impose social control, engage in clashes for territorial dominance and subject the civilian populations to violence, as they compete for control over several illicit economies (e.g., drugs and weapons trafficking).

Moreover, these groups have shifted to less detectable tactics and forms of control, including increased use of extortion, confinement, forced displacement, and targeted violence. Departments such as Chocó, Cauca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Valle del Cauca, and Arauca remained among the worst affected. The report highlights patterns of violent intimidation, targeted killings, increased use of drones and explosive devices, and rights violations, all of which had consequences for the civilian population.

EU Asylum situation for Colombian nationals

Between December 2022 and October 2025, Colombian nationals lodged close to 140 000 applications for international protection in the EU+, a significant increase (+58 %) compared to the three years prior. Almost all Colombian applicants were doing so for the first time. Spain (109 000) received by far the most Colombian applications in the EU+, followed at a distance by Germany (8 700) and Italy (8 000). While Colombians lodged record numbers of applications in the EU+ in 2023 and 2024, this upward trend significantly reversed during the first 11 months of 2025.

During the reference period, EU+ countries issued approximately 83 000 decisions at first instance on Colombian applications, but the EU+ recognition rate was very low (5 %). At the end of October 2025, there were about 72 000 cases pending at first instance.

Background

The EUAA regularly updates its Country of Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ national asylum and migration authorities involved in migration and international protection procedures.

The report was prepared in accordance with the EUAA COI Report Methodology and was drafted by EUAA COI Sector's researchers. The report was reviewed by several COI Units in EU+ countries and an external expert. 

Any further information may be obtained from the European Union Agency for Asylum's Press Office at the following email addresses:

 


  • Colombia

02 December 2025

New report highlights deteriorating human rights and governance conditions in Russia

The EUAA's newly published Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Russia ​outlines the latest developments in the political and human rights situation, as well as in processes governing military service in the country. It updates the Agency's previous reports, published at the end of 2022 soon after the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and aims to provide EU+ national authorities impartial and objective information to help decide on applications by Russian nationals.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published an updated Country of Origin Information report on Russia; “Russian Federation: Country Focus"[AM1] . Referencing events that took place between November 2024 and November 2025, it provides a detailed overview of the political system and governance in Russia, highlighting State control over the media and the internet as well as increased restrictions on political opposition, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.

The Russian authorities have continued to expand national legislation on 'foreign agents', extremism, and terrorism, using criminal prosecution to target civil society activists, journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, as well as critics of the government, including those individuals expressing anti-war views. The report also sheds light on the situation faced by religious minorities, LGBTIQ persons, and women. Members of the Jehovah's Witnesses have faced prosecution under anti-extremism legislation, and have been subjected to arrests, trials, and imprisonment. The situation of LGBTIQ persons has deteriorated due to the expanded adoption and enforcement of restrictive legislation and societal discrimination. Women have faced gender-based violence, while forced marriages and so-called 'Honour killings' have been reported in the North Caucasus region.

In the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, military forces have been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The authorities have continued the large-scale recruitment of contract soldiers into the regular armed forces and private military companies. At the same time, an electronic military register has been established to collect data on individuals “eligible" for statutory military service from various State agencies, to facilitate the issuance of electronic conscription summons. Most recently, the authorities have introduced year-round conscription into obligatory military service for men aged 18 – 30 years.

EU Asylum situation for Russian nationals

Between January and September 2025, around 8 100 applications for international protection were lodged by Russian nationals in EU+ countries, including 2 000 repeated applications. The recognition rate in the first nine months of 2025 stood at around 17 %, down from 23 % in 2024.[1]

Background

The EUAA regularly updates its Country of Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ asylum and migration authorities in reaching accurate and fair decisions in asylum procedures, as well as to support national policymaking.

Any further information may be obtained from the European Union Agency for Asylum's Press Office at the following email addresses:



[1] EUAA, EPS data as of 13 November 2025

 [AM1]Add link


  • Russian Federation

07 November 2025

Lebanon one year later: EUAA report highlights persistent and overlapping challenges

The EUAA has just published its first Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Lebanon. It offers an overview of State structures, political and economic developments, the legal system and judiciary, security institutions, non-State armed groups and the security situation. The report also sheds light on the situation of specific profiles,  aimed at informing the examination of asylum claims from Lebanese nationals.

Lebanon continues to face overlapping political, security, and economic challenges amid the aftermath of the 2024–2025 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The election of President Joseph Aoun in January 2025 ended a two-year institutional vacuum, bringing about the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The new administration has prioritised restoring state authority by addressing the severe economic downturn and advancing discussions on the disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-state armed actors. However, progress remains fragile, as Hezbollah and Amal ministers continue to oppose the Army’s plan to assume exclusive control over weapons.

Lebanon’s confessional political system remains central to governance and continues to shape state institutions. Despite efforts to strengthen the judiciary and armed forces, political interference and sectarian divisions undermine the rule of law and accountability.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), although active in the south alongside the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), faces resource shortages and operational challenges. With its mandate extended until December 2026, UNIFIL is continuing to support the LAF in maintaining peace along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated boundary between Lebanon and Israel. However, the Israeli airstrikes of late 2024 caused significant destruction and internal displacement, particularly in southern Lebanon, where up to 40 % of buildings were damaged or destroyed. The hostilities have also exacerbated Lebanon’s preexisting economic crisis, with unemployment above 29 %, widespread poverty, and millions facing food insecurity.

The EUAA report further highlights the situation of specific groups, including women and girls, political opposition members, human rights defenders and activists, journalists and media workers, LGBTIQ persons, and refugees. Syrian and Palestinian refugees continue to face precarious legal status, restricted access to services, and socio-economic marginalisation. The government, in coordination with the Palestinian Authority, has begun limited disarmament within some camps, though key factions remain armed.


EU Asylum situation for Lebanese nationals


Between May 2024 and August 2025, Lebanese nationals lodged slightly over 3 000 applications for international protection in the EU+, which is stable compared to the 16 months prior. Almost eight in ten applicants were seeking asylum in the EU+ for the first time, and fewer than 2 % were self-declared unaccompanied minors. Germany was the main destination country, followed at a distance by France and Sweden.

During this same period, EU+ countries issued approximately 3 100 first instance decisions on Lebanese applications, with a recognition rate of 12 %. At the end of August 2025, around 1 300 Lebanese cases were pending a first instance decision, representing a decrease of one quarter compared to May 2024.
  • Lebanon

03 November 2025

Nigeria: EUAA reports show escalating banditry-related violence, amid overlapping crises

The EUAA has just published two Country-of-Origin Information (COI) reports on Nigeria. The 'Country Focus' report provides key information on Nigeria's state structures, demographics, significant political developments and the human rights treatment of specific group profiles. The 'Security Situation' report offers an overview of long-standing security challenges and major conflicts, including a breakdown by 36 states and Federal Capital Territory. These COI reports will inform the upcoming update of EUAA Country Guidance on Nigeria.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, continues to grapple with an extraordinary wave of overlapping crises, including widespread insecurity and significant social and economic challenges. Although the insurgency led by Boko Haram and affiliated Islamist armed groups had long been regarded as the primary threat to the country's stability, by early 2024, violence stemming from banditry had become more deadly and widespread.

Clashes between herders and farmers over livelihoods, which persisted in the North-Central zone and other parts of the country, further saw a resurgence in the first half of 2025. Similarly, increasing criminality was reported in the Niger Delta, together with activity by violent gangs in the South-South and South-West. There was continued Biafran secessionist activity in the South-East, with clashes between pro-Biafran armed groups and Nigerian security forces. These manifold security issues have left the country's military and police forces overstretched.

Nigeria also continues to face significant human rights challenges. Despite constitutional safeguards, ongoing abuses highlight systemic failures in rights protection. Curbs on freedom of expression, poor access to justice, insecurity, and discrimination against certain groups including women and LGBTIQ individuals, all remain key issues. Journalists covering politically sensitive topics are frequently targeted with defamation laws and arrest. Security forces have continued to use excessive force against protesters, resulting in casualties. Various sources also report that the Nigerian army has committed abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture, particularly during operations against insurgent groups in the North and separatist movements in the South-East.

In recent years, the Nigerian authorities have made several efforts to tackle trafficking in human beings, however the phenomenon remains a persistent and serious humanitarian concern in the country.

Rising living costs, combined with human-made and natural disasters, have impacted millions of Nigerians, exacerbating food insecurity, displacement and limiting access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation. By the end of 2024, about 50 % of Nigerians were living below the poverty line.

​International protection situation for Nigerian nationals

Between January 2024 and August 2025, Nigerians lodged nearly 26 000 applications for international protection in the EU. Monthly applications peaked in April 2024 (2 000), when Nigerians lodged the most applications since May 2019, but then followed a predominantly downward trend, reaching the least applications in August 2025 (910) since May 2020. In fact, compared to the previous 20 months, Nigerian applications decreased slightly in the EU+. Around 72 % of all Nigerians were first-time applicants and there were few self-claimed unaccompanied minors. The main receiving country for Nigerians was Italy, followed by Ireland, France and Germany.

During these 20 months, EU+ countries issued approximately 26 000 decisions at first instance on Nigerian applications, with 12% of the decisions granting refugee status and subsidiary protection. At the end of August 2025, there were 7 600 cases pending at first instance, down by nearly half compared to January 2024. 

Background

The EUAA regularly updates its Country of Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ national asylum and migration authorities involved in migration and international protection procedures.

Any further information may be obtained from the European Union Agency for Asylum's Press Office at the following email addresses:


  • Nigeria

08 October 2025

Iraq: Despite decreased violence, challenges to stability persist

​

The EUAA has just published a Country-of-Origin Information (COI) report on Iraq, which provides an update on the security situation and reviews the latest developments regarding the treatment of selected profiles. Despite a decrease in violence, the continued presence of ISIL in parts of the country, sporadic military strikes by Türkiye in northern Iraq as well tribal violence in the south continue contributing to overall instability.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has just published an updated Country of Origin Information report on Iraq. It provides an update on the EUAA's previous report of May 2024, including in terms of the security situation, and reviews the latest developments regarding the treatment of selected profiles by State and non-State actors.

Over the last year, and despite a continued decline in attacks, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has remained active in several governorates (Anbar, Baghdad, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Salah Al-Din), primarily targeting security forces through asymmetric operations. Türkiye continued its military campaign against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the north of the country, by carrying out air and drone strikes, as well as ground operations. Following the PKK's unilateral ceasefire and announcement of dissolution in May 2025, Turkish strikes peaked in June (notably in Duhok's Amedi district) before sharply decreasing in July, although new ground operations were launched in Zakho's Batifa district.

Tribal violence remained a security concern especially in southern Iraq, while family disputes frequently turned violent in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Iran-backed militias were widely suspected in strikes against oil fields in the region. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) faced major challenges in accessing housing, basic services and documentation, limiting opportunities in education and healthcare. Many IDPs remained unwilling to return due to insecurity and insufficient reconstruction.

The report highlights persistent human rights concerns, including lack of accountability for serious crimes, ongoing discrimination and harassment of women, children, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and civil society actors. Individuals with perceived ISIL affiliation – including children – continued to face prosecution, detention and difficulties accessing civil documentation. Reports of torture, ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances persisted. A recent amendment to the Personal Status Law granted Shia religious authorities expanded control over family matters, raising concerns about child marriage, polygamy and restrictions on women's rights.

EU Asylum situation for Iraqi nationals

Between March and June 2025, Iraqi applications across EU+ countries dropped below a thousand per month, a level unseen since mid-2020 though the number rose to just over 1 000 in July 2025.[1] In general, the number of asylum applications by Iraqi nationals has been on a downward trend since September 2023.

The decline in applications, coupled with an increase in the number of first instance decisions issued to Iraqis resulted in a lower backlog. At the end of July 2025, some 14 000 Iraqi cases were pending at first instance in the EU+.[2] Over three fifths of them were pending in Germany and the Netherlands. Between January – July 2025, the first instance recognition rate for Iraqi applications in the EU+ stood at 22 %.

​Background

The EUAA regularly updates its Country-of-Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ asylum and migration authorities in reaching accurate and fair decisions in asylum procedures, as well as to support national policymaking.

Any further information may be obtained from the European Union Agency for Asylum's Press Office at the following email addresses:



[1] Data for July 2025 were missing for Czechia and Portugal.

[2] Data for July 2025 were missing for Czechia, Italy and Portugal, for which data for earlier months were used.


  • Iraq