Irregular arrivals to the EU fall by 38%, although in the Canary Islands they reach record figures

In 2024, the European Union experienced a notable decline in irregular migration, recording just over 239,000 irregular border crossings, marking the lowest number since 2021. This significant reduction is attributed to multiple factors, including strengthened cooperation between EU member states and various third countries aimed at combating human trafficking networks. The sharpest declines were observed in the Central Mediterranean and the Western Balkan routes, where arrivals fell by 59% and 78%, respectively. The changes were largely influenced by decreased departures from countries like Tunisia and Libya, alongside strategic interventions in the region. Nonetheless, challenges remain as some irregular arrivals still increased, particularly to the Canary Islands, highlighting shifting migration patterns across routes. The increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands was attributed to heightened departures from Mauritania, resulting in a record number of nearly 47,000 migrants. Meanwhile, the dynamics of migration along the eastern borders with Belarus showed an upward trend, with arrivals reported to be tripling in 2024 compared to previous figures, indicative of ongoing geopolitical instabilities. The interplay of these various factors encapsulates the complexity of the migration landscape in Europe, underscoring the continual efforts and evolving strategies necessary to manage irregular migrations effectively.