Data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) revealed a 22% decline in the number of irregular migrants crossing into the European Union during the first nine months of 2025, with approximately 133,400 cases compared to the same period last year.

Despite this decrease, the International Organization for Migration confirmed that risks associated with irregular migration persist, with about 1,300 people dying while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea during the same period.

The data showed a significant drop in crossings via West Africa routes by 58%, Western Balkans by 47%, and the Eastern land borders by 36%.

However, the Mediterranean remains the busiest route, accounting for about 40% of total irregular entries, with half of these cases concentrated in the central region.