Following the peak in immigration flows prior to the economic downturn, national statistics recorded a decline in inflows from 157 000 in 2008 to 132 000 in 2009. The decline was particularly strong among nationals from the EU-15 who nevertheless continue to account for the vast majority (62%) of migration flows. This was mainly driven by a notable decline in immigration of Germans (from 46 000 to 34 000) who have been the main origin group in recent years, accounting for almost 30% of new arrivals.