The number of irregular migrants entering Western Balkan countries en route to European destinations dropped by 78% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to annual data released by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, FRONTEX.
Approximately 21,000 irregular migrants, primarily from Syria, Turkey, and Afghanistan, were intercepted by border police along the so-called "Balkan Route," which includes Western Balkan nations such as Albania.
FRONTEX attributes this significant decrease to ongoing cooperation between the European Union and partner countries in combating smuggling networks. Overall, irregular crossings at the EU’s external borders fell by 38% compared to 2023, with approximately 239,000 crossings recorded in 2024.
Lowest Migration Levels Since 2021
The agency highlights that the general decline in irregular migration has brought numbers to their lowest since 2021, a year still impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the Western Balkans saw the most substantial drop, the overall decrease was also influenced by a 59% reduction in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean route. This decline stemmed primarily from fewer departures originating in Tunisia and Libya.
The Western Balkans remain a critical focus for migration management, as continued efforts to tackle smuggling networks and strengthen border control are necessary to sustain the downward trend in irregular crossings.