Changes in EU migration policy significantly reduced the arrival of refugees
reede, 10. juuli 2026
In the first half of the year, the European Union agency Frontex registered almost one third fewer illegal border crossings at Europe's external borders compared to the same period last year.
49,000 border crossings represented a 37 percent decrease compared to the first half of last year, the border and coast guard agency announced. "The figures clearly show: the change in European migration policy is yielding results," said EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner in Brussels.
According to Die Zeit, the Mediterranean coast remains the main destination for refugees. This year, at least 1,300 refugees have already died in the Mediterranean. While illegal entries were fewer in the eastern and central parts of the Mediterranean, the number increased in the western part, on the Spanish coast.
According to the UN, an increase in fatalities was registered on all Mediterranean migration routes in the first half of the year, even though the number of documented arrivals decreased during the same period.
"Fewer boats are heading towards Europe, and this is the result of continuous cooperation with our partners in the region," said Frontex Director Hans Leijtens. There were also significantly fewer illegal border crossings on the EU's eastern border with Belarus and Russia.
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