The European Union has witnessed a substantial decrease in irregular border crossings during the first half of 2024, according to a recent report by Frontex, the EU’s border agency. The agency’s preliminary data shows a remarkable 30% reduction compared to the same period last year, with approximately 94,000 crossings recorded.
This significant decline in irregular border crossings has been particularly noticeable along two main migratory routes. The Western Balkans route experienced a dramatic 72% decrease, while the Central Mediterranean route saw a substantial 61% drop in detections. These figures highlight the effectiveness of recent border control measures and cooperation between EU member states.
However, not all routes have seen a decrease in activity. The West African route, leading to the Canary Islands, has experienced an unprecedented surge, with a staggering 174% increase in irregular crossings. Similarly, the Eastern Land Border, which includes borders with Poland and the Baltic region, has seen a 148% rise in irregular crossings. These increases pose new challenges for EU border management and highlight the dynamic nature of migration patterns.
The Central Mediterranean route, despite its significant decrease, remains the most active path for irregular crossings into the EU. Frontex reported nearly 26,000 detections on this route in the first half of 2024. June alone saw 4,500 arrivals, marking a notable 71% decrease compared to the same month last year. This downward trend suggests that efforts to manage this historically busy route are yielding positive results.
In contrast, the Eastern Mediterranean route has seen a surge in activity, with detections increasing by 75% to almost 25,000. This shift in migration patterns underscores the need for adaptive strategies in EU border management. The Western African route to the Canary Islands has also seen a dramatic rise, with detections reaching almost 20,000 in the first half of 2024, a 174% increase from the previous year.
The Western Balkan route has shown a significant decrease, with detections falling by 72% to just over 10,640. Meanwhile, the Eastern Land Borders have seen a sharp rise in crossings, primarily attributed to Ukrainian nationals. The Channel route has also experienced an increase, with detections rising by 24% to reach 27,100 in the first six months of 2024.
These fluctuating trends across different routes highlight the complex and ever-changing nature of irregular migration into the EU. As some routes see decreased activity, others experience surges, requiring ongoing vigilance and adaptable strategies from Frontex and EU member states to effectively manage borders and ensure the safety of both EU citizens and migrants.