
Fewer irregular migrants entered the European Union (EU) in 2024, hitting the lowest numbers since 2021.
Frontex, the EU’s border agency, reported a 38% drop in border crossings compared to 2023. Authorities detected just over 239,000 unauthorized entries, mainly due to stronger efforts by the EU and its partners to disrupt smuggling networks.
Decline driven by regional efforts, route shifts
The Western Balkan and Central Mediterranean routes saw the biggest drops in crossings. Detections on the Western Balkan route fell 78% due to stronger enforcement by regional authorities.
Crossings on the Central Mediterranean route dropped 59%, mainly because of fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya. Despite this, the Central Mediterranean was still the second-busiest route, with over 67,000 crossings.
Not all routes followed this trend. Arrivals at the Canary Islands on the Western African route rose 18%, the highest since Frontex began tracking in 2009, driven by more departures from Mauritania.
Crossings on the Eastern Mediterranean route also increased by 14%, fueled by new paths from eastern Libya and involving migrants mostly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt.
Eastern borders see spike in activity
Crossings at the EU’s eastern borders with Belarus and Russia rose sharply by 192%, even as overall numbers dropped. This rise shows how smugglers and migrants adjust to changing conditions.
Tensions between the EU and Belarus made the situation worse, with claims that migration was being used as a political weapon.
Women, minors face growing risks
The demographics of migrants revealed new vulnerabilities. Women made up just over 10% of irregular migrants, with 62% traveling through the Eastern Mediterranean route. Afghan and Syrian women faced particularly high risks.
The proportion of minors also increased to 16%, up from 13% in 2023. These numbers highlight ongoing instability in regions like Syria and Afghanistan, which continues to fuel migration.
Challenges despite progress
Although irregular crossings dropped significantly, challenges persist. Smuggling networks continue to adapt to stricter border controls, often using more dangerous methods.
Frontex reported increasing violence by smugglers along the Western Balkan route, raising the risks for migrants. Conflict, poverty, and climate crises in regions like the Sahel also keep driving migration toward Europe.
Sea crossings remain some of the most dangerous routes, with at least 2,300 migrants losing their lives in 2024, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Criminal networks organizing these journeys make them even more deadly.
Frontex emphasizes flexibility, vigilance
Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized the importance of staying vigilant.
“Every year, we face unique challenges at our borders that require adaptability,” he said, emphasizing Frontex’s commitment to maintaining security while upholding humanitarian standards.
He also noted that changes in migration routes and smuggler tactics require continued flexibility to address emerging risks.

Stricter controls for travelers, migrants
The sharp decline in irregular crossings comes at a crucial time for travelers to the EU.
With migration controls under review, legitimate visitors may face stricter border checks, especially as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) nears implementation.
Starting in 2025, the ETIAS will require non-EU travelers from visa-exempt countries to get pre-authorization before entering the Schengen Area.
While designed to improve border security, the system may also ease travel for legitimate visitors by allowing border authorities to focus more on irregular crossings.
For migrants, stricter border controls create new challenges. Stronger enforcement on main routes like the Central Mediterranean and Western Balkans could force people onto more dangerous paths or make asylum applications harder.
Increased scrutiny of visas and stricter document checks may delay those trying to reunite with family or seek jobs in the EU. Schengen visa policies, already strict, may further tighten, possibly reducing visa approval rates.
Migration policy a balancing Act for EU governments
The 38% drop in irregular crossings supports EU governments pushing for stricter immigration policies ahead of key elections.
Leaders with tough migration stances may use this data to argue that tighter enforcement is effective, strengthening calls for measures like expanded border fences, more investment in surveillance, and increased cooperation with non-EU countries.
Agreements with Tunisia and Libya, which have helped reduce crossings in the Central Mediterranean, are examples of this approach.
At the same time, the figures spark renewed debate over humanitarian responsibilities.
Some EU countries, especially those handling most arrivals, call for a more unified system. This could include changes to the Dublin Regulation, which requires asylum seekers to register in the first EU country they enter.
Rising tensions on the EU’s eastern borders, particularly with Belarus, also highlight the need for coordinated responses to politically driven migration.
Policymakers face the ongoing challenge of balancing border security with the EU’s commitment to protection and human rights.
A persistent issue
The 2024 figures show progress in reducing irregular migration but highlight the ongoing complexity of the issue. As smuggling networks adapt and external crises continue, the EU must balance border security with humanitarian responsibilities.
While the sharp drop in crossings provides a chance to reflect, the risks and human costs of irregular migration remain urgent challenges for policymakers.