Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced a dramatic decrease in irregular migration via the Central Mediterranean in 2024, citing enhanced partnerships with Libya and Tunisia as key factors.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting in Rome on Wednesday, Meloni credited Italian and regional efforts for reducing migrant departures and disrupting smuggling operations.
The decline, backed by data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, represents a significant achievement in managing one of Europe’s most challenging migration corridors.
Frontex reported a 59% reduction in crossings from Libya and Tunisia compared to previous years, contributing to an overall decrease in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean.
Meloni described the figures as “excellent” and emphasized that sustained efforts to limit illegal migration require close collaboration with transit and origin countries.
Libya, a pivotal partner in Italy’s migration strategy, has been at the center of these measures. The North African nation, despite its political challenges, remains a crucial transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Italy has focused on bolstering Libya’s capacity to patrol its borders and coastlines, while also addressing the root causes of migration, such as economic instability and security concerns. These initiatives, along with EU support to Libya and Tunisia, have disrupted smuggling networks and reduced departures.
Frontex also noted an increase in irregular migration through alternate routes, including the Balkans, where crossings surged by 192%. However, the Mediterranean route’s decline has significantly eased pressure on southern European nations, with overall migration levels falling to their lowest since 2021.
The agency highlighted a concerted effort by the EU and regional partners to combat human trafficking, which has been instrumental in curbing flows.
Nonetheless, challenges persist as new smuggling networks emerge and migration patterns shift. Frontex recorded over 69,000 attempts to cross borders illegally via Eastern Libya in 2024, reflecting a 14% rise. The majority of these migrants hailed from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt.
