Newsletters
Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell 37% during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary data released by EU border agency Frontex.
More than 49,000 irregular crossings were recorded across the bloc’s external borders. Frontex attributed the decline to continued cooperation with partner countries and preventive measures implemented in key departure states.
The figures were released after the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum took effect on June 12, introducing a standardized screening process at the bloc’s external borders.
The Eastern Mediterranean remained the EU’s busiest migration route during the first half of the year, recording more than 16,600 irregular crossings.
Despite remaining the most active route, crossings there declined 20% compared with the same period last year.
The Central Mediterranean route recorded around 14,300 arrivals, less than half the number registered during the first six months of 2025.
Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens said the overall decline showed the impact of sustained regional cooperation but warned that migrants continued to face serious dangers.
“Fewer boats are setting out towards Europe, and that is the result of sustained cooperation with our partners in the region,” Leijtens said in a statement.
“But behind every number is a person, and people are still dying at sea. Our officers remain on the ground at the external borders, supporting member states and helping to save lives,” he added.
The Western Mediterranean was the only major route to record an increase during the first half of 2026.
Irregular crossings along the route rose 17% to around 7,900, according to Frontex.
The agency said the increase was mainly driven by departures from Algeria, while the Balearic Islands became the primary destination for people using the route.
By contrast, the Western African route recorded the largest decline. Crossings fell 67% to approximately 3,700.
Frontex said measures introduced by Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia, along with cooperation involving Spain and the EU, had helped reduce departures from the region.
Despite the decline in departures and crossings, the human cost of migration remained high.
The International Organization for Migration said nearly 1,300 people had died in the Mediterranean so far this year.
Smugglers continued to send people to sea aboard overcrowded and unsafe boats, according to the report.
Attempts to cross the English Channel to the United Kingdom also declined during the first six months of the year.
Around 18,400 attempts were recorded, representing a 44% decrease compared with the same period last year.
Frontex said an agreement signed by the United Kingdom and France in April was expected to strengthen patrol operations along the French coast.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
