Preliminary data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) show a 21% decrease in irregular migrant arrivals to European shores during the first eight months of 2025. Despite the overall decline, arrivals from Libya via the Central Mediterranean route recorded a slight increase, underlining the country’s role as a major transit hub.
According to figures published on Tuesday, approximately 112,375 irregular entries into the European Union were detected between January and August this year. Frontex noted that the Central Mediterranean crossing from Libya remains the busiest route, accounting for about 37% of total irregular migration flows.
Italian government data cited by Frontex indicate that more than 47,000 migrants reached Italy from Libya between January and 12 September 2025. This marks a slight rise compared to 2024 and represents a one-third increase compared to 2023. Nationals from Bangladesh, Egypt and Afghanistan formed the largest groups attempting the perilous journey.
Frontex warned that smuggling networks are increasingly relying on high-speed boats to maximise profits and avoid detection. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that at least 1,131 migrants have died attempting the Central Mediterranean crossing from North Africa since the start of the year.
Reacting to the new figures, EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner wrote on X that cooperation with origin and transit countries has helped reduce irregular entries significantly. “This is a key signal: fewer dangerous journeys, better field conditions, and more options for managing migration. We must continue this approach,” he said.
Brunner acknowledged that smugglers are adapting quickly and that new departure points are emerging. He stressed that the EU is working to strengthen migration diplomacy and reinforce external borders to maintain control over arrivals.
