Irregular border crossings into the European Union plummeted by nearly 40 percent in 2024, Al Jazeera reports, citing preliminary data released by the bloc’s border agency, Frontex.
The significant decrease marks the lowest level of irregular migration since 2021, when travel was still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frontex reported just over 239,000 irregular crossings last year, a 38 percent decrease compared to the previous year. The agency attributed this success to intensified cooperation between the EU and partner countries in combating human smuggling networks.
The most notable reduction was observed along the Western Balkans route, where crossings dropped by a dramatic 78 percent. Frontex credited this decline to “strong efforts by regional countries to stem the flow.” Similarly, the Central Mediterranean route saw a 59 percent reduction in irregular entries, primarily due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya. Despite this decrease, the Central Mediterranean route still accounted for some 67,000 crossings, making it the second most active route.
Eastern Border Sees Dramatic Spike
However, the overall positive trend masks a troubling surge in irregular crossings along the EU’s eastern borders. The number of people attempting to cross from Belarus and Russia jumped by a staggering 192 percent, reaching 17,000. EU member states bordering these countries have long accused Belarus and Russia of deliberately pushing migrants and refugees across their borders as part of a calculated effort to destabilize Europe.
Other Notable Trends
The Eastern Mediterranean route also experienced an increase in irregular crossings, rising by 14 percent to reach 69,400. This increase was driven by new corridors from eastern Libya, with the majority of those crossing originating from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt. Additionally, the Western African route to the Canary Islands saw an 18 percent increase, with arrivals reaching almost 47,000, fueled by departures from Mauritania.
“Evolving Challenges”
“While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics,” said Frontex head Hans Leijtens. “Frontex and the border authorities across Europe must remain ready and flexible to address these evolving challenges effectively.”
Irregular migration remains a prominent issue in European politics, with many far-right and populist parties campaigning on the issue in recent and upcoming elections across the continent.
