Irregular border crossings drop 26% in 2025: EU border agency

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Detections of irregular border crossings at the EU's external borders fell by 26% in 2025, European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) data showed, marking the lowest level since 2021.

According to initial consolidated figures released on Thursday, almost 178,000 irregular crossings were recorded last year, less than half of the total in 2023.

Despite the decrease, Frontex, in a statement, warned that migration pressure remains "uncertain and can shift rapidly due to conflicts, instability, and smuggling networks."

"The European Union is also already coping with attempts by hostile actors to exploit migration flows to put pressure on the EU’s external borders," the statement said.

The agency noted that the Central Mediterranean remained the most active migration route, with departures from Libya continuing to drive flows toward Italy.

On the Eastern Mediterranean route, detections fell overall, although crossings from eastern Libya to Crete more than tripled.

The Western Africa route saw the steepest decline, with detections down around two-thirds due to lower departures from Mauritania, Morocco, and Senegal.

The Western Balkans route also recorded a marked decrease, aided by heightened security measures and Frontex's new joint operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina launched in November 2025.

Conversely, the Western Mediterranean route experienced an increase, mainly due to higher departures from Algeria.

The three most frequently detected nationalities were Bangladeshis, Egyptians, and Afghans. Libya remained the main departure country for most nationalities showing increases.

Frontex highlighted ongoing risks at sea, where "criminal smuggling gangs force people into unseaworthy and overcrowded boats."

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates at least 1,878 people died in the Mediterranean in 2025, compared with 2,573 in 2024.

"The trend is moving in the right direction, but risks do not disappear. This drop shows that cooperation can deliver results. It is not an invitation to relax. Our responsibility is to stay alert," Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens said, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance, operational readiness, and support for EU member states.