WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Preliminary Frontex data indicate a 37% decrease in irregular border crossings into the European Union during the first seven months of 2026. From Jan. 1 to July 31, Frontex identified about 61,000 crossings at the EU’s external borders. This total is lower compared to the same period in 2025. Most key migration routes experienced fewer crossings in this timeframe. These figures serve as the latest indicator of irregular entry trends across the EU’s outer frontier.
The Eastern Mediterranean remained the busiest route, with 20,232 detections. This represents a 28% decline from 28,068 during the same period last year. The Central Mediterranean followed with 16,454 detections, down 55% from 36,656. Together, these two routes made up around 60% of all detections at the EU’s external borders. Libya continued to be the primary departure country on the Central Mediterranean route during the seven months.
In contrast, the Western Mediterranean saw an increase, with 11,217 detections. This is a 37% rise from 8,175 recorded a year earlier. Sea crossings on this route reached 8,648, compared to 7,096 in 2025. Land detections through June totaled 2,569, up from 1,079. The Western African route experienced a 60% drop, with 4,682 detections. Crossings through the Western Balkan region decreased by 26% to 4,910, while detections at the Eastern Land Border declined 44% to 3,209.
Mediterranean routes account for majority of EU border detections
Additional data for crossings toward the United Kingdom show a significant drop. Frontex recorded 22,469 attempted or successful crossings leaving the EU, a 46% decrease from 41,647. These Channel crossing figures are not included in the EU entry total. The agency also reported 281 detections on the circular route to Albania, a 9% increase. The seven-month data exclude extraordinary events at the border in Ceuta, Spain, at the end of July.
Frontex based its estimates on preliminary EUROSUR data available as of Aug. 4. The agency noted that future updates are possible as authorities revise the information. The statistics count detection instances, not unique individuals. A person may be counted more than once if detected at different locations or on separate occasions. This distinction is key when comparing route totals with the overall number of migrants involved.
Seven-month data continue to show a decline after the first half of 2026
These latest figures support the downward trend Frontex reported after the first six months of 2026. At that point, over 49,000 irregular border crossings had been recorded, a 37% reduction year-on-year. Western Mediterranean detections then were 17% higher than in the previous year. Now, the seven-month comparison indicates a 37% increase. The Western African route saw a 67% decline through June and a 60% decline through July.
Frontex states that about 3,800 officers support the EU’s external borders. Their work includes border management and sea rescue operations. The officers also assist member states with rules under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The latest data reveal uneven route trends. While most major corridors show declines, the Western Mediterranean route has seen a rise.