New
preliminary data from Frontex reveal a significant 38% drop in irregular border
crossings into the EU in 2024, reaching the lowest level since 2021, when
migration was still affected by the COVID pandemic. Despite persistent
migration pressure, intensified EU and partner cooperation against smuggling
networks has significantly reduced crossings at Europe’s external borders, with
just over 239 000 detections recorded last year.
The
decrease in the total number was mainly driven by a 59% plunge in arrivals via
the Central Mediterranean route and a 78% fall in detections on the Western
Balkan route.
Not
all routes saw the same trends, as patterns shifted across the continent. Key
developments include:
A
closer look at demographics shows that the share of women among detected
migrants held steady at just over 10%. Markedly, 62% of all women arriving at
EU borders entered through the Eastern Mediterranean route, reflecting the
dangers and changing dynamics on other paths. Afghan and Syrian women made up
the majority of this group.
The
share of minors among the irregular migrants increased last year to 16% from
13% in 2023.
Commenting
on the preliminary figures, Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens said:
While
the 2024 irregular migration figures reflect progress, challenges remain.
Smuggling networks adapt to new circumstances, and migration flows can shift quickly.
Authorities reported increasing violence by smugglers along the Western Balkan
route, and growing instability in regions like the Sahel continues to drive
migration towards Europe.
The sea crossings, usually orchestrated by organised
criminal networks, continue to pose an extreme danger to migrants. The
International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that 2 300 people lost
their lives at sea in 2024 alone, underscoring the tragic human cost of these
hazardous routes.