Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by 40 per cent during the first four months of 2026, according to preliminary figures published by Frontex.
Between January and April, just over 28,500 irregular crossings were detected at the EU’s external borders, continuing a downward trend already observed throughout 2025. The European Commission’s latest State of Schengen report had previously recorded a 26 per cent decline in illegal crossings last year compared with 2024.
The reduction comes as the EU introduces major reforms to strengthen border management and monitoring systems. Earlier this year, the bloc officially launched its new digital Entry/Exit System, designed to electronically register non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen area. A second scheme, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is expected to begin later this year.
Frontex attributed the decline to stronger cooperation with countries of origin and transit, preventive measures introduced in key departure states and difficult weather conditions during the early months of the year.
The Central Mediterranean route remained the busiest migration corridor into Europe, although arrivals there still fell by 46 per cent to around 8,500 detections. Libya continued to serve as the main departure point, with most migrants originating from Bangladesh, Somalia and Sudan.
The Eastern Mediterranean route recorded a 32 per cent drop, while the Western African route registered the steepest decline of all, falling by 78 per cent following increased cooperation between Spain, the EU, Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia.
The only major route to record an increase was the Western Mediterranean, where crossings rose by 50 per cent, largely linked to departures from Algeria after tighter controls elsewhere redirected smuggling activity.
