Irregular crossings down 40% at EU external borders

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, DEC 13 - According to preliminary data collected by Frontex, irregular border crossings into the European Union decreased by 40%, to 220,700, in the first 11 months of 2024. This significant decline was primarily driven by sharp drops along the Western Balkan (-80%) and Central Mediterranean migratory routes (-60%). However, Eastern Land Border saw increases in irregular border crossings of 200%, Frontex said. Meanwhile, the Western African route has already surpassed the total number of irregular arrivals in all of last year, bringing the total for 2024 to its highest level since Frontex began collecting data in 2009. (ANSA).