Irregular entries into EU at lowest level since 2021, says Frontex

In 2024, 239,000 people entered the European Union irregularly.

The number of irregular entries into the European Union recorded in 2024 has fallen to its lowest level since 2021, said the European agency Frontex, responsible for monitoring borders, on Tuesday January 14. “New preliminary data from Frontex reveals a significant 38% drop in irregular EU border crossings in 2024”she said in a press release. In 2024, the agency recorded more than 239,000 irregular entries into the EU.

Frontex said the decline was mainly due to a fall in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes. “Despite persistent migratory pressure, the reinforced cooperation of the EU and its partners against trafficking networks has considerably reduced crossings at Europe's external borders”according to the European border surveillance agency.