Despite a significant decrease in irregular border crossings to the EU in the first quarter of 2025, the situation remains dramatic: more than 380 people have already died on the dangerous journey this year. EU migration commissioner Brunner emphasized that cooperation with third countries had to be expanded.
In the first quarter of 2025, the number of irregular border crossings to the European Union fell by a third – just under 33,600. This number stems from the latest data from the Border Protection Agency Frontex, which was published on Friday. The decline is visible on all important migration routes, but most strongly on the West -Balkan route, where the number was exceeded by 64 percent.
A route with a particularly strong decline
The statistics show that a particularly large number of Afghans, Malier and Bangladeschis tried to reach Europe this year. The two most important migration routes are particularly striking: the eastern Mediterranean route, which leads from Turkey to Greece, as well as the West African route, which leads from Morocco to the Canary Islands, were heavily visited in 2025 with around 9630 and 9200 arrival.
More than 8,500 people also reached Europe on the central Mediterranean route, from Tunisia and Libya. However, there were also important falls here: on the West -African route the figures fell by 30 percent and 26 percent on the central Mediterranean route.
The Western Balkan route registered a particularly strong decrease compared to the other migration routes: only 2111 people arrived here. For this, the number of transfers about the English channel to the United Kingdom remained relatively stable, with 11,204 attempt at access.
“Agreement with third countries of central interest”
Despite the sunken figures, the challenge to control migration and saving human life remains enormously. EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner emphasized when the data is announced, how crucial international cooperation is in migration policy: “It is about preventing and saving dangerous journeys. Our agreements with third countries are of central interest and already have an effect.”
Brunner, who participates in a ministerial meeting of the Midden -Midden countries in the EU in Naples, emphasized that cooperation with third countries should be expanded. In this context, he referred to the recent meeting of the Khartoem process in Egypt-An initiative that has been the states along the Tractate Route between the Horn of Africa and Europe since 2014.
Another sign of increased cooperation is the work agreement, which was signed on 9 April between Europol and Egypt. Brunner sees the “Foundation” for even closer cooperation in the fight against illegal migration and trade with human smugglers.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
