According to Frontex and Eurostat, in 2025 the number of illegal crossings of the European Union’s external borders fell by 26% compared to the previous year. The total number of recorded illegal entry attempts stood at approximately 178,000 — the lowest figure since 2021 and less than half the level recorded in 2023.
The European Commission’s State of Schengen 2026 report, published on 18 May 2026, demonstrates notable progress in strengthening the EU’s external borders. The decline in illegal migration is the result of a combination of measures: enhanced Frontex operations, expanded cooperation with third countries, improvements to the returns system, and the introduction of new border control technologies.
Key figures for 2025:
Illegal border crossings: -26% (approx. 178,000 cases). The steepest decline was recorded on the West African route (down 63%). The Central Mediterranean remained the busiest corridor, accounting for around 37% of all registered crossings.
Returns (deportations): 135,460 third-country nationals were successfully returned from EU member states — up 20.9% from 2024 (112,040 people). This is one of the highest absolute figures in recent years.
Return rate: Reached 28% — the highest result in the past ten years. The European Commission highlights this as evidence of improved migration policy effectiveness.
Top EU countries by number of returns:
Germany — 29,295
France — 14,940
Sweden — 11,250
Among the nationalities most frequently subject to return, citizens of Turkey, Georgia, Syria, and Albania top the list.
The reduced pressure on external borders has come alongside the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, intensified Frontex operations, and bilateral EU agreements with key countries of origin and transit. At the same time, the number of entry refusals at external borders increased (132,600 cases, +7.1%).
Experts note that while the overall trend is positive, the situation remains dynamic. Frontex warns that migratory pressure has not disappeared entirely: routes are shifting, new challenges are emerging (including the use of faster boats and attempts to circumvent tightened controls), and weather conditions and the geopolitical situation in regions of origin continue to play an important role.