London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Jul 03, 2025

EU Border Agency Reports Significant Decrease in Irregular Migration into EU in 2024

EU Border Agency Reports Significant Decrease in Irregular Migration into EU in 2024

Frontex notes a 38% decrease in irregular migration across EU borders in 2024; however, new migration routes are emerging, especially from Belarus and Russia.
In 2024, irregular migration into the European Union decreased notably, dropping by 38% compared to previous years, according to data from the EU border agency, Frontex.

Illegal border crossings exceeded just 239,000, the lowest since 2021 when COVID-19 significantly affected migration patterns.

This decrease was linked to enhanced cooperation among EU member states and international partners in fighting smuggling networks.

Collaborative efforts and proactive border management strategies have been key to reducing the number of crossings.

Frontex's report highlighted significant declines along the Central Mediterranean and Western Balkan routes.

The Central Mediterranean route, traditionally one of the busiest for migrants, experienced a 59% drop in arrivals.

This was mainly due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya, longstanding major departure points for migrants heading to Europe.

Similarly, a 78% decrease was seen on the Western Balkan route, due to the concerted efforts by regional countries to control migration.

In spite of these reductions, new migration patterns have surfaced, indicating shifting dynamics and possible future challenges.

Frontex noted a significant surge in illegal crossings from the EU's borders with Belarus and Russia, increasing by 192% to reach 17,000 people.

This rise suggests the potential emergence of a new route for migrants entering the EU, with Belarus and Russia increasingly becoming key departure points.

Alongside the rise from the eastern frontier, there was also an increase in arrivals via the Eastern Mediterranean route.

This route saw a 14% rise in attempts, with 69,400 recorded cases.

Migrants from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt were primarily driving this change, as new corridors opened from eastern Libya.

The Western African route to the Canary Islands also saw an 18% increase in migrants, largely due to more departures from Mauritania, on Africa's western coast.

As irregular migration remains a central topic in European politics, especially among far-right and populist parties, Frontex’s report highlights the issue's complexity.

Migration has become a major theme in upcoming European elections, notably in Germany, where political parties are campaigning to tighten migration controls.

Hans Leijtens, Frontex’s head, acknowledged the progress in reducing irregular crossings but warned of new risks and migration routes that could pose challenges.

He commented, “While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics.”

The changes in migration routes and continued migrant inflows, despite the overall decline, mean European authorities need to be vigilant in managing evolving migration patterns.

While collaboration and border security efforts have advanced, global migration dynamics continue to pose complex challenges for the EU and its member states.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
×