The number of irregular migrants who entered Balkan countries with the aim of moving towards European countries during 2024 was 78% less than in 2023, according to annual data published by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, FRONTEX.
Around 21,000 irregular migrants, mainly from Syria, Turkey and Afghanistan, were stopped by border police on the so-called "Balkan Route" of migrant transit that includes the Western Balkan countries, including Albania.
Meanwhile, according to annual FRONTEX data, despite the continued pressure of migration, the cooperation of European Union countries and partners against smuggling networks has reduced the crossings of irregular migrants at Europe's external borders by 38% compared to 2023.
According to FRONTEX, the total number of irregular migrants crossing into European Union countries was around 239,000 in 2024.
FRONTEX notes that the overall decline in the number of irregular migrants is reaching its lowest level since 2021, when migration was still affected by the COVID pandemic.
According to FRONTEX, in addition to the largest decline recorded in the Balkans, the decline in the overall number was mainly caused by a 59% drop in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean route, due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya. / Voice of America (A2 Televizion)
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