Migration flows from Libya towards Europe have recorded a significant shift, with the route linking Libya to the Greek island of Crete emerging as one of the most active corridors globally. According to data released by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, arrivals to Crete from Libya surged by 260% during the first 11 months of the year, marking an unprecedented rise along this eastern extension of the Central Mediterranean route.
Frontex said the Central Mediterranean remains the busiest migration corridor worldwide, accounting for around 40% of all irregular arrivals to the European Union since the start of 2025. The Libya–Crete route was identified as the most active pathway in November, reflecting shifting dynamics in smuggling networks and maritime departures from Libya’s western and eastern coastline.
Overall, more than 63,200 migrants reached Europe via the Central Mediterranean route, with the majority originating from Bangladesh, Egypt and Eritrea. In contrast, arrivals along the Eastern Mediterranean route declined by nearly 30%, with around 46,100 migrants recorded, mainly from Afghanistan, Egypt and Sudan.
The report also highlighted a 15% increase in crossings via the Western Mediterranean route, where Algeria accounted for more than 70% of departures. Meanwhile, the West Africa route saw the sharpest decline, with crossings falling by 60% to around 16,800 migrants, primarily from Mali, Senegal and Guinea.
Despite an overall 25% drop in irregular entries into the EU during the first 11 months of the year, Frontex warned that the human cost remains severe. Data from the International Organization for Migration estimates that more than 1,700 people lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean in 2025.
For Libya, the figures underline its continued central role in regional migration movements, as European agencies increasingly focus on routes linking the Libyan coast directly to southern Europe and Greece.
