Irregular EU Border Crossings Drop to Lowest Levels Since 2021

A 38% decline in 2024 crossings is attributed to stricter migration policies, new agreements with North African nations, and regional cooperation.

Frontex reported 239,000 irregular entries into the EU in 2024, marking a 38% decrease from 2023 and the lowest figure since 2021.
The central Mediterranean and Western Balkan routes saw significant declines, with crossings dropping by 59% and 78%, respectively, due to enhanced border controls and cooperation with countries like Tunisia.
The EU's 2023 migration deal with Tunisia played a critical role in reducing crossings, but it has faced criticism over alleged human rights violations in partner countries.
While most routes saw declines, the West Africa route to Spain's Canary Islands recorded a 47,000-person influx, an 18% rise and the highest since Frontex began tracking in 2009.
Eastern EU borders, including those with Belarus and Ukraine, experienced a tripling of crossings, raising concerns about geopolitical tactics involving migration.