Unauthorized migration to European Union countries has seen a significant decline in the first eight months of this year, even as political tensions around the issue have intensified. Despite rising anti-immigration sentiments and far-right political movements gaining ground in countries like Germany, the actual number of unauthorized migrants entering the EU has dropped. However, a notable exception is the rise in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory closer to Africa, which has become a popular alternative route for those seeking entry into Europe.
The migration issue was central in the European parliamentary elections earlier this year and has impacted recent elections in Germany, where a far-right party achieved its first victory since World War II. The German government has responded by expanding border controls, aiming to curb extremist threats.
According to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), unauthorized crossings over the EU’s southern borders, the region most affected by irregular migration, have decreased by 35% from January to August. In total, nearly 115,000 migrants have entered the EU through Mediterranean and Atlantic routes this year, a significant drop from the same period last year when over 176,000 migrants arrived. The trend has also been observed by the EU’s border agency, Frontex, which reports a 39% decrease in unauthorized crossings overall this year.
The Central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Italy remains the most widely used path for migrants, though arrivals in Italy have dropped by 64% compared to last year. This decline is largely attributed to the EU’s crackdown on migrant routes through Tunisia and Libya, which has come at a great cost to the migrants themselves. Many are being detained and abandoned in desert areas, highlighting the risks migrants face along these dangerous routes.
Despite the overall decrease, there has been an alarming increase in migration along the Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands. More than 25,500 migrants, primarily from Mali, Senegal, and other West African nations, have reached the islands this year, more than double the figure from last year. Unfortunately, many have also gone missing along this perilous journey, with strong Atlantic currents and rough winds claiming numerous lives. Rescue operations have found boats drifting far off course, and the true number of those lost at sea remains difficult to verify.
The challenges don’t end when migrants reach the Canaries. While many adults continue their journey to mainland Spain or other European destinations, thousands of unaccompanied minors remain in overcrowded shelters on the islands. Spanish law requires that these minors be cared for by local authorities, which has led to political tensions, as regional leaders struggle to manage the growing number of children in need of assistance.
In response to the increase in migration to the Canary Islands, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently visited several West African countries, including Senegal, to discuss solutions. During his trip, agreements were made to create temporary work opportunities in Spain for Senegalese nationals and provide vocational training in their home country. Efforts to strengthen police cooperation were also agreed upon to help reduce irregular migration.
While political debates surrounding migration continue, the need for immigrant workers in Europe is growing due to the continent’s aging population and labour shortages. Despite the current focus on deterrence and border control, experts agree that migrants will continue to seek better opportunities in Europe as long as instability and conflict persist in their home countries.