Illegal crossings of EU borders have decreased by 37 percent from the beginning of the year to the end of July compared to the same period last year, according to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) based on preliminary data available to the agency.
In the observed seven months, around 61,000 cases of illegal border crossings were recorded at the EU’s external borders, excluding the incident at the end of July in Ceuta when tens of thousands of migrants entered that Spanish territory from Morocco.
Frontex data show that the highest activity was on the Eastern Mediterranean and Central Mediterranean routes, the largest decrease was registered on the West African route, and the only increase was on the Western Mediterranean route.
On the Western Balkan route, a decrease of 26 percent was recorded, with 4,910 illegal border crossings, according to Frontex data.
The reduction in departures towards Europe is the result of several factors, including ongoing cooperation between the EU and partner countries and preventive measures in key countries of departure, the Agency stated.
Frontex has about 3,800 officers deployed at the EU’s external borders, supporting national authorities in managing European borders and saving lives at sea.
Frontex officers, the agency stated, will continue to support EU member states in implementing new rules from the Migration and Asylum Pact.
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