Agency reports a higher reduction in the Western Balkans route, while organizations criticize Block policies
Irregular crossings at Europe’s borders fell 31% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024, according to data released in 4.2025 by Frontex, the European Union Border Agency (EU).
The fall, equivalent to about 33,600 less arrivals, was recorded on all major migratory routes for the continent. By 2024, the crossings had already retreated 38% compared to 2023.
The biggest reduction took place on the Western Balkan Route, which passes through Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and Northern Macedonia, with a 64%retreat. The number of migrants detected trying to enter the UK fell 4%.
Human rights groups have related part of this reduction to EU dissuation policies. The criticisms were directed to the European Union’s performance in the face of possible violations of rights at the borders.
Proposed to include countries like Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco and Tunisia on the list of “Countries of safe origin”. The measure would allow to accelerate the return of citizens of these countries whose asylum requests are denied. The goal is to standardize procedures and increase the rate of return of people in an irregular situation.
The fall in the number of arrivals occurs in a context of new agreements signed between the EU and countries outside the European continent, such as Libya and Tunisia. In these countries, episodes of violence were documented, including beating, sexual abuse and arrests.
The International Organization for Migration (IM) reported an increase in the interceptions of vessels that depart from North Africa. This may have contributed to the decrease in arrival. In the first 3 months of 2025, at least 555 people died trying to cross the Mediterranean or the Atlantic to Europe. In 2024, more than 3,500 deaths were recorded on these routes.
