The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union continued to decline in the first eight months of 2026, with a 35% drop in detected cases compared to the same period last year.
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According to preliminary data collected by Frontex, over 74 thousand crossings were recorded. The central Mediterranean route recorded about 19,400 arrivals, 55% less than the same period last year and the second sharpest decline among all routes (led by West Africa, with -58% which however equals only 5,070 people).
The influx from Ceuta not counted
The data does not take into account the massive influx of people from Morocco to Ceuta at the end of July. “Probably – states Frontex – it will not be possible to establish a definitive figure, as most of those who crossed the border had already returned to Morocco before they could be registered.”
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The busiest routes
The Eastern Mediterranean and the Central Mediterranean remained the busiest routes, together representing almost 60% of all irregular entries into the EU.
The Western Mediterranean, in particular, was the only main route to record an increase, with a 34% rise in detected cases, mainly due to departures from Algeria. In August alone, about 10,700 total crossings were recorded, 38% less than August 2025, despite the summer months usually being the busiest period of the year.
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