Irregular border crossings into the EU fall by 26% in 2025, says Frontex

Thursday 15 January 2026 - 14:00

By: Sahili Aya

Irregular border crossings into the EU fall by 26% in 2025, says Frontex

Irregular migrant crossings at the external borders of the European Union declined sharply in 2025, falling by 26% compared with the previous year, according to the EU border agency Frontex.

The agency reported nearly 178,000 detected attempts to cross EU external borders irregularly during the year, marking the lowest level since 2021 and less than half the total recorded in 2023. European officials attributed this decline to strengthened border controls and closer cooperation with countries of origin and transit.

Significant decreases were observed along several major migration routes. The West African route recorded the steepest drop, while crossings through the Western Balkans and the EU’s eastern land borders also declined substantially. Attempts to cross the eastern Mediterranean fell by more than a quarter, reflecting reduced pressure on that corridor.

However, Frontex noted contrasting trends in other areas. Irregular crossings along the western Mediterranean route increased, while movements across the central Mediterranean remained broadly stable. Crossings of the English Channel toward the United Kingdom showed a slight decline.

Despite the overall reduction, Frontex warned that migration flows remain highly adaptable and can shift rapidly in response to conflicts, political instability and the activities of smuggling networks.