EU irregular border crossings fall 37% in first seven months
Irregular migration into the European Union fell sharply during the first seven months of the year, with detections at the bloc's external borders declining 37% from the same period last year, according to Frontex.
The Warsaw-based EU border agency said Friday that around 61,000 unauthorized entries were recorded between January and July, based on preliminary data.
Frontex cautioned that the figures did not include the full impact of what it described as extraordinary events at the EU's external border involving Spain's North African exclave of Ceuta.
At the end of July, around 80,000 people entered Ceuta at one point, according to the Spanish government, while Morocco reported about 40,000 arrivals. The chaos left 83 people dead and triggered renewed debate over the protection of the EU's external borders and Spain's responsibilities.
Mediterranean routes remain dominant
Frontex said the Mediterranean continues to be the main area for irregular migration into the EU, with many migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings.
The eastern Mediterranean route from Türkiye to Greece and the central Mediterranean route from Libya and Tunisia toward Italy and Malta together accounted for about 60% of all recorded irregular entries during the period.
Both routes recorded significant declines compared with the same period last year.
By contrast, detections increased 37% on the western Mediterranean sea route toward Spain, highlighting a shift in migration patterns despite the overall decline across the EU.
