Frontex: Irregular Migrant Arrivals in EU Decreased by 26% in 2025

Irregular arrivals in the European Union decreased by more than a quarter last year, reaching the lowest level since 2021, the EU border agency said on Thursday. “The recording of irregular crossings of the EU’s external borders decreased by more than a quarter (26%) in 2025, reaching almost 178,000,” Frontex said in a statement, adding that it was “the lowest level since 2021” and less than half the numbers recorded for 2023. The decrease is attributed to increased border surveillance and enhanced cooperation with countries of origin and transit of migrants. Frontex continues to work to protect the EU's external borders and combat irregular migration. The Frontex announcement comes at a time of heightened awareness regarding migration in Europe. The EU continues to face challenges in managing migration flows and providing protection to those entitled to international protection. The reduction in irregular arrivals is a positive step, but continued effort is needed to address the root causes of migration.