EU external borders: Irregular crossings drop by 20% in first 5 months of 2025

News News Release Management Board updates EU external borders: Irregular crossings drop by 20% in first 5 months of 20252025-06-10 Irregular border crossings into the European Union dropped by 20% in the first five months of 2025, totalling 63 700, according to preliminary data collected by Frontex*. With over 3 300 officers stationed along the EU’s external borders Frontex is working together with national authorities to safeguard borders and save lives at sea. Key Highlights:Central Mediterranean remains the busiest route this year, accounting for one of every three arrivals into the EU. Western Balkans sees the steepest decline in arrivals between January and May (-56%). Most frequently reported nationalities: Bangladeshi, Afghan, and Malian. In the Central Mediterranean, 22 700 irregular crossings were recorded in the first five months of 2025, reflecting a slight increase (+7%) compared to the same period last year. Libya remains the main country of exit for migrants on this route, with a significant increase this year offsetting an almost 90% decline in departures from Tunisia, as the Tunisian authorities are stepping up their efforts to curb irregular migration. The Eastern Mediterranean was the second most active route in January-May, with 15 600 irregular crossings, representing a 30% drop compared to 2024. On the Western African route,the number of arrivals fell by a third to almost 11 100. The main nationalities on this corridor were Malian, Senegalese and...