"The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by 43% in the first 10 months of 2024 to 191,900, driven by significant drops on the Central Mediterranean (-62%) and Western Balkan migratory routes (-80%)," according to preliminary data collected by Frontex, which has 3,000 officers and staff deployed across the EU’s external borders.
Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, supports EU Member States and Schengen-associated countries in the management of the EU’s external borders and the fight against cross-border crime.
While other parts of the border saw an improved situation, the eastern border saw "high numbers of arrivals" with an increase of 195% in the first 10 months of 2024 to 15,237. In October alone, the eastern border saw 1,611 irregular arrivals – more than the western Mediterranean. The main countries from which these arrivals came were Ukraine, Somalia and Eritrea, Frontex said.
