The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, has reported a dramatic 280 percent increase in migrant crossings along the Libya–Crete corridor, coinciding with the first-ever meeting between eastern Libyan officials and the European agency.
According to the latest Frontex data, Libya continues to serve as the main departure point for irregular migrants heading toward Europe across the central Mediterranean. Departures from Libyan shores increased by 50 percent compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a renewed surge in migration pressure on the route.
Between January and September 2025, Frontex recorded around 50,900 arrivals through the central Mediterranean, a number broadly consistent with last year’s figures. However, crossings through the Libya–Crete route surged in September, following a brief decline in August caused by adverse weather conditions.
By contrast, irregular crossings in the eastern Mediterranean fell by 22 percent to approximately 37,200. Yet, Frontex noted that the Libya–Crete passage has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing routes to Europe, with a 280 percent year-on-year increase in recorded movements.
The report was released as Frontex hosted a Libyan delegation from the country’s eastern region for technical discussions on migration management and border cooperation. The visit marked the agency’s first formal engagement with eastern Libyan representatives, including figures linked to the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
An EU official said that the European Commission maintains ongoing technical communication with eastern Libyan authorities regarding border security, migrant returns, and counter-smuggling efforts.
At the same time, Europe’s partnership with the Libyan Coast Guard remains a subject of controversy. The force faces multiple accusations of mistreating migrants.
Earlier this month, the French humanitarian group SOS Méditerranée filed a lawsuit in France, alleging attempted murder after its rescue ship Ocean Viking came under fire from the Libyan Coast Guard in August. More than 100 rounds were reportedly fired at the vessel, though no injuries were reported.
