UN migration agency reports fewer sea arrivals to Europe but more deaths on dangerous routes

The U.N. migration agency reported that fewer migrants are reaching Europe by sea in 2026, but more are dying on dangerous journeys. By September 15, nearly 60,000 arrived, down 40% from last year, while nearly 2,300 died or went missing, up from 2,000. The Central Mediterranean route to Italy saw the sharpest drop in arrivals but more deaths. IOM Director General Amy Pope called for international cooperation to save lives and provide legal migration pathways.