Unprecedented Unauthorized Border Crossings this Year, According to Frontex
With the year almost at a close, a staggering 331,600 individuals have attempted to sneak into the European Union (EU) illegally. This figure marks the highest for the first ten months since 2015, as revealed by the EU border protection agency, Frontex, based in Warsaw. October's data shows a striking 18% surge compared to the same period last year, with a whopping 49,600 unauthorized attempts.
West Africa's Rise in Unauthorized Crossings
The disquieting spike in unauthorized crossings can be observed across the Atlantic, from Morocco, Senegal, and Western Sahara to the Canary Islands. Incredibly, this route saw nearly double the number of attempts in a year-over-year comparison, making it the highest figure recorded since tracking began in 2009.
Central Mediterranean's Dire Situation
Whilst the central Mediterranean route continues to be a significant concern, it has seen a halving of attempts in October compared to September. According to Frontex data, this route, which leads from Libya and Tunisia to Sicily and Malta, recorded 143,600 attempts in the first ten months, a figure not seen since 2016.
Western Balkans' Decrease in Irregular Crossings
Assessing the second most popular route, the Western Balkans, there has been a 22% decrease in unauthorized entries compared to the previous year. Frontex attributes this decrease to stricter visa regulations in the Balkan countries.
The EU's Border Protection Focus
Frontex's 2021 report on unauthorized refugee migration attempts reveals a concerning rise in such incidents at EU borders, prompting an increased focus on border control actions. Despite the skyrocketing unauthorized crossings, certain paths, such as the Western border, have observed a reduction due to stricter visa requirements.
Gaining Insight into Unauthorized Border Crossings: Factors at Play
Various factors contribute to the surge in unauthorized border crossings. On the central Mediterranean route, the dwindling number of departures from Tunisia and Libya resulted in a 59% reduction in arrivals. However, the route continues to pose significant risks for migrants, with seaboard crossings leading to numerous fatalities.
In the Western Balkans, strict visa policies, implemented by EU nations, have led to a 78% decline in detections. Nevertheless, the route continues to be plagued by issues, including escalating violence by smugglers.
Eastern European borders have seen a significant increase in unauthorized crossings, mainly from Belarus. This surge is linked to instability in regions like the Sahel and potential facilitation by Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime to destabilize Europe.
The Canary Islands have witnessed a 18% year-on-year increase in unauthorized crossings, registering the highest figure since records began in 2009. These islands serve as a stepping stone for those aiming to reach continental Europe.
Enhanced collaboration against smuggling networks and tighter border control measures have led to a general drop in irregular border crossings. Despite these efforts, there remain persistent challenges including lethal sea-crossings and evolving smuggling approaches.
