EU-border crossings break in: success or illusion of politics?

EU-border crossings break in: success or illusion of politics?

European migration policy shows initial successes because the numbers of irregular border crossings in the EU have dropped significantly in 2025. According to tagesschau.de , around 47,000 such exceeded were registered in the first four months, which corresponds to a decline of almost 30 percent compared to the previous year. Migrants are the main origins of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Mali. The decline on the West Balkan route is particularly striking, where only 3,100 people arrived - this corresponds to a decrease of 58 percent.

Frontex and the border controls

The European border protection agency Frontex has used 3,200 civil servants to combat these challenges at the EU external borders. At the same time, the federal government exacerbates border controls in response to inadequate progress in EU migration policy. EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner sees developments as a success of common European measures.

Another factor that influences irregular entry are the exorbitant amounts that tractors demand for travel organizations. In many cases, these fees are five -digit amounts. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that around 555 people tragically killed in the first four months of 2025. Throughout the year 2024, at least 8,938 people died in connection with migration.

The migration routes at a glance

Migration dynamics have changed significantly in recent years. In 2022, the EU boundaries experienced a pressure with 330,000 Irregular border crossings recognized, which corresponds to an increase of 64 percent compared to 2021. At that time, the Western Balkan route was 145,600 exceeded the most frequently used route. The European Commission has supported the border states through financial support and operational aid in the implementation of asylum and return procedures as well as the establishment of reception structures, such as on euaa.europa.eu documented.

In particular in Greece, progress in building new reception facilities on the islands of Kos, Leros and Samos were made. At the same time, an action plan is implemented in Cyprus to improve migration management. This also includes the support of unaccompanied minors and is co-financed by EU agencies such as Frontex and Europol.

It remains to be seen how migration flows will develop in the coming months and whether the current EU measures will have a long -term effect. The Situation remains dynamic and demands constant efforts by the European countries to meet both humanitarian and security policy challenges.