EU sees 20% drop in irregular border crossings in early 2025, Frontex reports
Irregular border crossings into the European Union dropped by 20% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary data released by Frontex, the EU’s border agency.
A total of 63,700 unauthorized entries were recorded from January to May. The Central Mediterranean route remained the busiest, accounting for more than one-third of the total, with 22,700 arrivals — a 7% increase year-on-year. Libya was the main departure country, while crossings from Tunisia sharply declined by nearly 90% due to tightened controls.
The Western Balkans route saw the most significant decline, with arrivals down 56%, while the Eastern Mediterranean route — primarily affecting Greece and Cyprus — recorded 15,600 crossings, a 30% drop from 2024.
On the Western African route, migrant arrivals fell by one-third to 11,100. Frontex credited the drop to stronger cooperation with countries like Mauritania and joint Spanish-Moroccan patrols.
Conversely, the number of migrants attempting to cross the English Channel into the UK rose by 17%, reaching over 25,000. Frontex noted that smugglers are using mass launch tactics to evade authorities, putting more lives at risk.
Despite the overall decline, the dangers persist. The International Organization for Migration estimates at least 651 migrant deaths at sea in the same period.
The top nationalities of migrants intercepted were Bangladeshi, Afghan, and Malian. Frontex currently has over 3,300 officers stationed at EU external borders.Irregular border crossings into EU fall 20% in early 2025, Frontex says.
Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by 20% in the first five months of 2025, totaling 63,700, according to preliminary figures released on Wednesday by the EU border agency Frontex.
The Central Mediterranean remained the most active migration route, accounting for roughly one in three irregular entries. Some 22,700 crossings were recorded between January and May, marking a 7% increase from the same period last year.
Libya remained the main departure point, while departures from Tunisia dropped nearly 90% as Tunisian authorities intensified efforts to curb irregular migration.
The Western Balkans route saw the steepest drop in arrivals, down 56% year-on-year. The Eastern Mediterranean was the second busiest corridor, with 15,600 crossings – a 30% decrease from 2024 levels.
On the Western African route, arrivals fell by one-third to 11,100. Migrants on this corridor were mostly Malian, Senegalese, and Guinean. Frontex attributed the drop to improved border controls in Mauritania, adverse weather, and stronger cooperation with countries of origin, including joint Spanish-Moroccan patrols near the Canary Islands.
In contrast, the number of migrants attempting to cross the Channel into the United Kingdom rose by 17%, reaching 25,540. Smuggling groups have shifted tactics, launching simultaneous departures to overwhelm rescue operations, putting more lives at risk, Frontex said.
Despite the overall decline, the journeys remain perilous. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that at least 651 people died at sea in the first five months of 2025.
Bangladeshi, Afghan, and Malian nationals were the most frequently reported among migrants intercepted across all routes, Frontex said.
Frontex deploys over 3,300 officers at the EU’s external borders.
