Irregular Crossings into EU Drop to Lowest Level Since 2021
Frontex, the EU border agency based in Warsaw, reported a significant 38% decrease in irregular crossings into the European Union in 2024 compared to previous years. This decline is primarily attributed to reduced arrivals via the central Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes.
Decline in Irregular Entries
Frontex recorded over 239,000 irregular entries in 2024, with the Western Balkans route experiencing a dramatic 78% drop. The agency credited the efforts of regional countries for the substantial reduction in crossings along this route.
Changes in Migration Patterns
While the Western Balkans route saw a significant decline, the Canary Islands route witnessed an 18% increase in arrivals, reaching nearly 47,000 crossings – the highest number since data collection began in 2009. This surge was mainly fueled by departures from Mauritania.
Challenges at Eastern Borders
EU's eastern land borders, including Poland's border with Belarus, observed a threefold increase in detections. Some EU member states have accused Russia and Belarus of using migrants to destabilize Europe, leading to concerns over asylum rights and border security.
Emerging Risks and Ongoing Cooperation
Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens highlighted the evolving risks and dynamics in migration flows, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to combat smuggling networks and address the challenges of irregular migration effectively.
Concerns Over Smugglers' Violence
Frontex also expressed growing concerns about the escalating violence by smugglers along the Western Balkans route, underscoring the importance of implementing robust measures to tackle the changing landscape of irregular migration.
