The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union continued to fall in the first four months of 2026, with detections down by 40% compared with the same period last year. Just over 28 500 crossings were recorded, according to preliminary data collected by Frontex. The decline reflects a combination of factors, including sustained cooperation with partner countries, preventive measures in key departure states and difficult weather conditions earlier in the year.
The overall number of irregular arrivals continues to fall, but the human cost remains devastating. According to the International Organization for Migration, over 1 200 people have lost their lives in the Mediterranean so far this year. Criminal smuggling networks continue to send people out on dangerous crossings in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, regardless of the conditions.
The volatile security situation in the Middle East continues to carry risks for the EU’s migration landscape. The conflict has displaced large numbers of people across the region, and ongoing instability in Lebanon raises particular concerns, along with the risk of sea departures towards Cyprus and other Mediterranean destinations. Frontex continues to monitor developments closely.
With over 3 800 officers present at the EU’s external borders, Frontex continues to support national authorities in safeguarding Europe’s borders and saving lives at sea.
The Central Mediterranean was the busiest route in the first four months of the year, with around 8 500 arrivals recorded, a decline of 46% compared with the same period last year. Libya remained the main departure point, accounting for the vast majority of crossings on this route. Political dynamics in countries of departure and origin, as well as preventive measures by the Libyan authorities, continued to shape the flow. The main nationalities detected were Bangladeshi, Somali and Sudanese.
The Eastern Mediterranean recorded around 8 400 crossings, a fall of 32%. While some corridors saw notable decreases, the Libya-to-Crete corridor remained active.
The Western Mediterranean was the only major route to register an increase, with around 5 200 detections, up by 50% year-on-year. Algeria remained the main departure country. The rise reflects a shift in smuggling routes, as stricter controls in Morocco and on the neighbouring Western African and Central Mediterranean routes have pushed more departures towards Algerian shores.
The Western Balkan route registered around 2 800 detections, a decline of 19%. The Croatian border with Bosnia and Herzegovina remained the main exit point from the region. As weather improves and migrant mobility increases, the route is expected to come under growing pressure from secondary movements linked to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Western African route registered around 2 300 detections, making it the steepest decline of all routes at 78%. Preventive measures implemented by Mauritania since spring 2025, and more recently by Senegal and The Gambia in cooperation with Spain and the EU, have significantly reduced departures. However, smuggling networks remain adaptable, and activity on this route is volatile and can shift quickly as conditions change.
The Eastern Land Border saw around 1 100 detections, a fall of 49%. However, pressure from Belarus resumed sharply in March after a quieter start to the year, driven by better weather and recent legislative changes easing access to the border zone. On the EU-Ukrainian border, crossings primarily involved Ukrainian men seeking to avoid military conscription.
Attempts detected on exit towards the UK across the Channel, which include both those who reached the UK and those prevented from leaving, almost halved to some 9 900.
* 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.