Significant Decline in Irregular Border Crossings in the EU

Recent data indicates a marked decrease in irregular border crossings within the European Union during the first four months of the year, with the total number falling by nearly 30% to approximately 47,000 compared to the same period last year. Notably, the most substantial decline was observed along the West Balkan route, where only around 3,100 individuals were recorded, representing a 58% drop.

Similar trends were noted across other major migration routes. For instance, irregular crossings on the central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Italy decreased by 3%, totaling about 15,700. On the eastern Mediterranean route towards Greece, numbers fell by 30% to around 12,200. Additionally, the route to the Spanish mainland saw around 3,500 arrivals, a decrease of 10%, while the Canary Islands received approximately 10,400 migrants, reflecting a 34% reduction.

EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, regards these developments as evidence of the effectiveness of the EU's collective migration policies. He emphasized the impact of intensified collaboration with partner countries outside the EU in combating irregular migration. Brunner also highlighted efforts to combat human smuggling, which often entails exorbitant fees for those seeking to migrate.

Most recent arrivals originated from countries including Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Mali. The data, compiled by the EU border agency Frontex, reveals that the agency currently deploys 3,200 officers along the EU's external borders, collaborating with national authorities and monitoring maritime areas where migrants frequently face peril.

However, these new statistics may pose challenges for the German government, which has attributed enhanced border controls to insufficient progress in EU migration policy. The Schengen Agreement is intended to facilitate free movement within the EU, with border checks primarily focused on external borders.

Furthermore, the latest Frontex data indicates that a significant number of individuals attempting to cross into the EU do not intend to remain permanently. In the same timeframe, approximately 18,100 irregular border crossings or attempts towards the UK were recorded, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year.

As the EU continues to navigate the complexities of migration, these figures may influence ongoing discussions regarding border security and migration policies among member states.