The number of irregular migrant crossings into the European Union declined by 20 percent during the first five months of 2025, according to a report issued on Wednesday by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex. The agency, headquartered in Warsaw, recorded approximately 63,700 unauthorized entries during this period, reflecting a notable decrease compared to the same timeframe in 2024.
Frontex identified Afghan, Bangladeshi, and Malian nationals as the most frequently detected among those attempting to enter the EU without authorization. The agency attributed the overall reduction in part to stricter enforcement and evolving migration routes, though it did not specify any single dominant factor behind the decline. The largest drop in irregular migration was observed in the Western Balkans, where detected crossings fell by 56 percent. The western African route, often used by migrants attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, saw a 35 percent decrease.
Similarly, the eastern Mediterranean route, which includes passages from Turkey to Greece and Cyprus, experienced a 30 percent reduction. Despite the overall downward trend, certain migration corridors experienced moderate increases. The number of migrants crossing from Belarus into Poland and the Baltic States declined slightly by seven percent, amounting to 5,062 detected cases. Frontex noted that this region remains under close monitoring due to persistent political tensions and fluctuating migration pressures.
Conversely, the central Mediterranean route, primarily involving departures from Libya and Tunisia to Italy, registered a slight increase in crossings of seven percent. This corridor continues to be one of the most dangerous, with frequent reports of shipwrecks and high casualty rates, although these figures were not included in the latest update. In addition to EU-specific routes, Frontex also reported developments concerning migration to the UK.
The number of individuals attempting to cross the English Channel rose by 17 percent in the first five months of 2025, totaling 25,540. These crossings, typically carried out in small boats, remain a persistent issue for UK and French border authorities. Frontex emphasized that while the overall figures have decreased, the situation remains dynamic and subject to change based on geopolitical developments, conflict zones, and economic conditions in countries of origin and transit. The agency confirmed that it would continue to monitor trends and adjust operational responses across key migration routes. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.