The number of illegal crossings of the European Union’s external borders decreased by 37% in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. During this period, approximately 61,000 cases were recorded.
The Frontex agency reported this, citing preliminary data. The agency clarified that these figures do not account for the extraordinary events recorded at the end of July in the Spanish Ceuta.
Main migration routes
The route through the Eastern Mediterranean remains the most active: it recorded 20,232 cases, which is 28% less than in the same period last year. The route through the Central Mediterranean ranked second in the number of cases — 16,454, which is 55% less.
Meanwhile, the route through the Western Mediterranean shows the opposite trend. This is the only major migration route where the number of illegal crossings increased — to 11,217 cases, or 37% more than a year earlier.
Source: ANSA
