EU Border Agency Reports Significant Decline in Irregular Migration into the EU in 2024
Frontex reports a 38% decrease in irregular migration at EU borders in 2024, although new migration routes are emerging, particularly from Belarus and Russia.
According to data from the EU border agency Frontex, irregular migration into the European Union decreased significantly in 2024, dropping by 38% compared to previous years. Illegal border crossings totaled just over 239,000, the lowest since 2021, a year still heavily influenced by patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decline is attributed to improved cooperation among EU member states and their international partners to combat smuggling networks. This collaborative effort, together with proactive border management strategies, has been central to reducing the number of crossings.
Frontex’s report highlighted that the reduction in migration was particularly notable along the Central Mediterranean and Western Balkan routes. The Central Mediterranean route, historically busy for migrants, experienced a 59% decrease in arrivals, mainly due to fewer departures from key migrant departure points such as Tunisia and Libya. Similarly, the Western Balkan route witnessed a 78% reduction, due to intensified efforts by countries in the region to control migratory flows.
Despite these declines, new migration patterns have emerged, indicating shifting dynamics and possible future risks. Frontex noted a 192% increase in irregular crossings at EU borders with Belarus and Russia, reaching 17,000 individuals, suggesting a potential new route into the EU.
In addition to the increase along the eastern frontier, there was a noticeable rise in arrivals via the Eastern Mediterranean route, which saw a 14% increase with 69,400 cases recorded. This shift was primarily driven by migrants from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt using new corridors from eastern Libya.
Similarly, the Western African route to the Canary Islands saw an 18% increase in arrivals, largely due to more departures from Mauritania on Africa's western coast.
As irregular migration continues to influence European political discourse, especially among far-right and populist groups, Frontex’s report highlights the complexity of the issue. Migration remains a significant topic in upcoming European elections, including in Germany, where parties are campaigning on tougher migration controls.
Hans Leijtens, the head of Frontex, recognized the progress in reducing irregular crossings but warned of new risks and migration routes that may pose future challenges. "While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics," he remarked.
The changes in migration routes and ongoing migrant influxes, despite overall reductions, suggest that European authorities must stay vigilant in addressing evolving migration patterns. While cooperation and border security efforts have made strides, global migration dynamics continue to pose complex challenges for the EU and its member states.
The decline is attributed to improved cooperation among EU member states and their international partners to combat smuggling networks. This collaborative effort, together with proactive border management strategies, has been central to reducing the number of crossings.
Frontex’s report highlighted that the reduction in migration was particularly notable along the Central Mediterranean and Western Balkan routes. The Central Mediterranean route, historically busy for migrants, experienced a 59% decrease in arrivals, mainly due to fewer departures from key migrant departure points such as Tunisia and Libya. Similarly, the Western Balkan route witnessed a 78% reduction, due to intensified efforts by countries in the region to control migratory flows.
Despite these declines, new migration patterns have emerged, indicating shifting dynamics and possible future risks. Frontex noted a 192% increase in irregular crossings at EU borders with Belarus and Russia, reaching 17,000 individuals, suggesting a potential new route into the EU.
In addition to the increase along the eastern frontier, there was a noticeable rise in arrivals via the Eastern Mediterranean route, which saw a 14% increase with 69,400 cases recorded. This shift was primarily driven by migrants from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt using new corridors from eastern Libya.
Similarly, the Western African route to the Canary Islands saw an 18% increase in arrivals, largely due to more departures from Mauritania on Africa's western coast.
As irregular migration continues to influence European political discourse, especially among far-right and populist groups, Frontex’s report highlights the complexity of the issue. Migration remains a significant topic in upcoming European elections, including in Germany, where parties are campaigning on tougher migration controls.
Hans Leijtens, the head of Frontex, recognized the progress in reducing irregular crossings but warned of new risks and migration routes that may pose future challenges. "While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics," he remarked.
The changes in migration routes and ongoing migrant influxes, despite overall reductions, suggest that European authorities must stay vigilant in addressing evolving migration patterns. While cooperation and border security efforts have made strides, global migration dynamics continue to pose complex challenges for the EU and its member states.
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