Poor weather across the main migratory routes into the European Union was among the key factors behind a continued sharp drop in irregular border crossings. In the first three months of 2026, detections fell by 39% compared with the same period last year, with just over 21 400 crossings recorded, according to preliminary data collected by Frontex.
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Frontex: Irregular border crossings down 40% in Q1 2026
2026-04-17
Key highlights:
• The Eastern Mediterranean was the busiest route, accounting for around a third of all irregular entries into the EU.
• The Western African route saw the steepest decline, with detections down by 83% compared with the first quarter of 2025.
• The Western Mediterranean was the only major route to record an increase.
The number of irregular arrivals continues to fall, but the human cost keeps rising. According to the International Organization for Migration, nearly 1 000 people have lost their lives in the Mediterranean so far this year. Many of these tragedies occurred in poor weather conditions. Criminal smuggling networks are well aware of the risks. They send desperate people out on unseaworthy boats regardless, because there is money to be made.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Middle East risks fuelling displacement in the region in the coming months. So far, this has not had a noticeable effect on the migratory situation at the EU’s external borders. Frontex continues to monitor developments closely.
With over 3 700 officers present at the EU’s external borders, Frontex continues to support national authorities in safeguarding Europe’s borders and saving lives at sea.
Most active routes
The Eastern Mediterranean was the most active migratory route into the EU in the first quarter, with around 6 500 arrivals recorded. Detections along the route fell by 34% year-on-year.
The Central Mediterranean saw around 6 200 irregular crossings in the first quarter, a drop of 33% compared with the same period last year.
The Western Mediterranean was the only major route to register an increase, with around 4 400 detections. This was up by 66% year-on-year, although March saw a drop compared to February.
Attempts detected on exit towards the UK across the Channel, which include both those who reached the UK and those prevented from leaving, fell 41% to 6 600.
* Note: The preliminary data presented in this statement refer to the number of detections of irregular border crossings at the external borders of the European Union. The same person may cross the border several times in different locations at the external border.