News

The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by 27% in the first four months of 2025 to nearly 47 000, according to preliminary data collected by Frontex*.

Declines continue on all major migratory routes into the EU, ranging from 58% on the Western Balkans route to 3% on the Central Mediterranean route.

Frontex currently has 3 200 officers deployed along the EU’s external borders, working together with the national authorities safeguard the Europe’s borders and save lives at sea.

• Central Mediterranean is the busiest route this year, with a third of all arrivals into the EU.

• Western Balkans experienced the biggest drop of arrivals in January-April (-58%).

• Top nationalities detected: Bangladeshi, Afghan and Malian.

In the Central Mediterranean, 15 718 irregular crossings were registered in the first four months of 2025. This is roughly in line with the figures registered in the corresponding period last year. After a sharp year-on-year drop in March, improved weather conditions in April led to an increase of almost 40% (y/y).

Bangladeshi nationals are the main nationality reported on this route so far this year. The smuggling networks involved in the smuggling of Bangladeshis organise the entire journey, making arrangements such as flights and visa applications. The total cost of the journey is reported to be between EUR 9 500 and EUR 13 000.

The Eastern Mediterranean is the second most active route on entry into the EU in the January-April this year with over 12 200 crossings. The number of the registered arrivals dropped by nearly a third from a year ago.

On the Western African route, the number of arrivals dropped by over a third to 10 400. The top nationalities on this corridor were Malian, Senegalese and Guinean.

Many risk their lives to reach Europe, embarking on the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in unseaworthy boats. The International Organization for Migration estimates that in just the first four months of this year alone, 555 people lost their lives at sea. For the whole of last year, this tragic figure reached 2 300.

On the Channel route, the number of migrants attempting to cross into the United Kingdom increased by 5% compared to last year to18 100.

* Note: The preliminary data presented in this statement refer to the number of detections of irregular border crossing at the external borders of the European Union. The same person may cross the border several times in different locations at the external border.