The number of illegal entries or attempted entries into European Union countries fell by one-fifth in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year. The largest decline in illegal migration to the EU was observed on the Western Balkan route, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) announced today.
According to preliminary Frontex data, the total number of illegal entries across all migrant routes decreased by 20% to 75,900. This reduction is primarily attributed to a drop in numbers on the traditionally busiest routes: the Eastern Mediterranean and West African routes.
The most significant reduction in illegal crossings of EU external borders was 53% on the route through the Western Balkan states, followed by 50% across the Union’s eastern borders, and 41% on the West African route (from the coasts of West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands). On the Western Balkan route, Frontex recorded 4,930 attempted illegal crossings in the first six months.
Varying Trends Across Other Routes
On the land and maritime Eastern Mediterranean route, used by migrants primarily from Syria to reach Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, a 24% decrease was observed, with 19,607 border crossings.
Despite the overall reduction in illegal entries to the EU, the Central Mediterranean route saw an increase to 29,300 irregular crossings, up 12% from the same half of last year. The majority of migrants on this route, 20,800, traveled by sea from the coasts of Libya to Italy.
A 19% increase in illegal migration was also recorded on the Western Mediterranean route, where Algeria is the main country of departure for approximately 80% of migrants. Via this route, illegal migrants attempt to reach mainland Spain or Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Increased Pressure on La Manche (English Channel) Route
According to the Frontex report, significant migratory pressure was observed on the La Manche (English Channel) route, leading from the EU to Great Britain. On this stretch, the number of illegal crossing attempts in the first six months was 23% higher, with 33,215 individuals prevented from crossing.
Frontex attributes this increase to unusually favorable weather conditions this year, the use of so-called “taxi-boats” to avoid detection, and the transport of a larger number of migrants in individual boats. The agency added that despite law enforcement efforts, smugglers on this route have shown great resilience, adapting quickly and disregarding the safety of the migrants they transport.
