Migrant Statistics in the EU for 2024

Overview

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The number of migrants entering the European Union by irregular routes dropped overall by 38% in 2024, reaching the lowest level since 2021, according to the EU border agency Frontex.

Key Insights

• The number of people crossing from the EU’s borders with Belarus and Russia surged by 192%, totaling 17,000 crossings.
• Significant numbers of migrants or asylum-seekers originated from Syria, Afghanistan, Egypt, and various African nations, even as routes into the EU shifted.

Political Context

Irregular migration remains a crucial issue in European politics, influencing recent and upcoming elections, particularly with far-right and populist parties promising tough measures on migration, including in Germany next month.

Reasons for Decrease

Frontex noted that the decrease to just over 239,000 irregular border crossings last year was attributed to strengthened cooperation among EU nations and partners against smuggling networks. This figure represents the lowest level since 2021, a year still impacted by the COVID pandemic.

Route-Specific Trends

• The overall reduction in irregular migration was chiefly influenced by a 59% drop in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean route, due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya.
• There was a 78% decrease on the Western Balkan route, thanks to effective measures by regional countries to curb migration.
• Conversely, there was a 14% increase in attempts to cross the Eastern Mediterranean route, mainly involving migrants from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt.
• Additionally, an 18% rise in migrants taking the Western African route to the Canary Islands was observed, with arrivals nearly reaching 47,000, driven largely by departures from Mauritania.

Conclusion

“While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics,” stated Frontex head Hans Leijtens.