(Kathimerini) Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by 20% in the first five months of 2025, totaling 63,700, according to preliminary figures released on Wednesday by the EU border agency Frontex.
The Central Mediterranean remained the most active migration route, accounting for roughly one in three irregular entries. Some 22,700 crossings were recorded between January and May, marking a 7% increase from the same period last year.
Libya remained the main departure point, while departures from Tunisia dropped nearly 90% as Tunisian authorities intensified efforts to curb irregular migration.
The Western Balkans route saw the steepest drop in arrivals, down 56% year-on-year. The Eastern Mediterranean was the second busiest corridor, with 15,600 crossings — a 30% decrease from 2024 levels.
