Among the nationalities with a recognition rate above 50%, many jumped to unprecedented levels. For example, that was the case for nationals of Sudan (67%, +19% from 2022), Burkina Faso (67%, +11%) and Nicaragua (53%, +28%). Other citizenships with rates over 50% showed marginal increases, which still led to record-high levels, particularly Malians (72%, +2%) Somalis (63%, +4%) and Chinese (63%, +2%).

In contrast, recognition rates were below 5% for one-fifth of the citizenships which were issued the most decisions in 2023 and below 10% for one-third of them. As in the past, this group with low recognition rates comprised applicants from visa-exempt countries in South America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela), the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo,xxxvi Serbia and North Macedonia), the EU Eastern Partnership (Armenia, Georgia and Moldova), North Africa (Algeria, Egypt and Morocco) and countries belonging to the Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, India and Nepal). The lowest recognition rates were for nationals of North Macedonia (0%), India, Moldova, Nepal and Serbia (1% each). 

Despite low recognition rates, applicants from South American countries often received a national form of protection. This was the case for 92% of all decisions for Venezuelans, 75% for Colombians, 69% for Peruvians and 49% for Brazilians.
 
 

• xxxvOnly citizenships which received more than 1,000 decisions in 2023 were considered, unless otherwise specified.
• xxxviThe designation Kosovo is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.