WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Preliminary data from European Union sources indicate a 37% decrease in irregular border crossings during the first seven months of 2026. According to Frontex, there were roughly 61,000 detections at the EU’s external borders from January 1 to July 31. This figure is compared to the same period in 2025. Most key migration routes saw fewer crossings during this timeframe. These numbers offer the latest insight into unauthorized entry activities at the EU’s external frontiers.
The Eastern Mediterranean remained the most active route, with 20,232 detections, representing a 28% decline from 28,068 during the same months last year. The Central Mediterranean recorded 16,454 detections, a 55% decrease from 36,656. Combined, these two routes constituted approximately 60% of the total detections reported for EU entries. Libya continued to be the primary departure country along the Central Mediterranean route throughout the seven-month span.
Contrary to this trend, the Western Mediterranean experienced an increase, with 11,217 detections, up 37% from 8,175 in the previous year. Sea crossings on this route reached 8,648, compared to 7,096 in 2025. Land detections until June totaled 2,569, an increase from 1,079. Meanwhile, detections on the Western African route fell 60%, dropping to 4,682. Crossings through the Western Balkan route declined by 26% to 4,910, while detections at the Eastern Land Border decreased 44% to 3,209.
Majority of EU Border Detections Are from Mediterranean Routes
Data on crossings toward the United Kingdom shows a significant reduction in attempts. Frontex recorded 22,469 crossings, either attempted or successful, on exit from the EU, which is a 46% decrease from 41,647. These Channel crossing figures are not included in the EU entry totals. The agency also noted 281 detections on the circular route to Albania, an increase of 9%. The seven-month data excludes unusual border incidents in Ceuta, Spain, at the end of July.
Frontex based its analysis on preliminary EUROSUR data and estimates available as of Aug. 4. The agency mentioned that revisions could be made as authorities update their information. The statistics reflect detections, not individual persons, meaning one individual may appear more than once if detected at different locations or on separate occasions. This distinction is critical when comparing total detections to the overall number of people involved, across the agency’s external-border datasets.
First-Half Decline Continues through the Seven-Month Period
The latest figures reinforce the decline reported after the first six months of 2026. Frontex recorded over 49,000 irregular border crossings by mid-year, which is also a 37% decrease compared to the previous year. During that period, detections in the Western Mediterranean were 17% higher than in 2025. When considering the entire seven months, the increase was 37%. The Western African route experienced a 67% decline through June and a 60% drop through July.
Frontex estimates that about 3,800 officers are deployed at the EU’s external borders. These personnel support national authorities with border management and maritime rescue operations. They also assist member states in implementing rules under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The latest data from Frontex indicate that overall route trends are uneven, with most major corridors experiencing substantial decreases, while crossings on the Western Mediterranean route saw an uptick.