The following data presents European-level statistics intended to give a broad overview of key trends across the European landscape. The figures published by Eurostat in 2026 use 2024 data. Rather than focusing on a single country, these datasets provide context for how individual countries fit within wider European patterns1.
1.EU received 4.2 million immigrants in 2024
According to data released by Eurostat, about 4.2 million people immigrated to the EU from non-EU countries, with an average of 9.2 immigrants per 1,000 residents across the EU. Countries such as Malta, Cyprus, and Luxembourg recorded the highest immigration rates, while Italy ranked among the lowest with around 8 immigrants per 1,000 residents. The Netherlands was not highlighted in this summary, suggesting a more mid-range position.
Source: EU received 4.2 million immigrants in 2024. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260227-1
2. Foreign-born people face higher discrimination
Additionally, foreign-born people in the EU reported higher levels of self-perceived discrimination than native-born residents, particularly when looking for housing, accessing public services, or being in public spaces. The Netherlands recorded the highest reported discrimination in public spaces among foreign-born people (16.2%), with a significant gap compared with native-born residents. Italy, on the other hand, showed more moderate results.
Source: Foreign-born people face higher discrimination. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/edn-20260227-1
- Non-EU countries like Serbia are not included in these EU statistics. ↩︎
