Illegal migration into EU drops by 38% in 2024: Border agency

The number of people entering the European Union by irregular crossings and illegal ways dropped almost 40% in 2024, according to the bloc’s border agency Frontex.

Preliminary data reveal a significant 38% drop in irregular border crossings into the EU in 2024, “reaching the lowest level since 2021, when migration was still affected by the COVID pandemic,” Frontex said in a statement on Tuesday.

However, despite the fall in total numbers, the eastern end of the EU saw a rise in irregular crossings last year. The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union saw a significant decline of 38% in 2024, according to the EU's border agency Frontex.

Preliminary data reveals that just over 239,000 irregular crossings were detected, marking the lowest level since 2021, when migration patterns were still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frontex attributed the drop to intensified cooperation between the EU and its partners in combating smuggling networks. The agency also highlighted a major reduction along the Western Balkans route, which saw a 78% decrease, largely due to concerted efforts by regional countries to control migration flows.

The Central Mediterranean route also recorded a sharp 59% decline, with fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya. Despite the overall drop, the route remained one of the busiest, accounting for 67,000 crossings, the second highest after the Eastern Mediterranean route.

Shifting migration patterns

However, the trend was not uniform across all regions. There was a notable increase in irregular crossings along the EU's eastern border, particularly with Belarus and Russia, which saw a staggering 192% rise to 17,000 crossings. This surge has led to accusations that both countries are orchestrating migration flows to destabilise Europe.

The Eastern Mediterranean route saw a 14% rise in irregular border crossings, reaching 69,400 attempts. This increase was driven by new migration corridors from eastern Libya, with migrants largely coming from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt. The Western African route to the Canary Islands also witnessed an 18% rise, with nearly 47,000 arrivals, fueled by departures from Mauritania.

Frontex's Executive Director, Hans Leijtens, acknowledged the complexities of the situation, saying, “While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics. We must remain ready and flexible to address these evolving challenges effectively.”

“Frontex and the border authorities across Europe must remain ready and flexible to address these evolving challenges effectively.”