The European agency Frontex reported that the number of migrants detected crossing the central Mediterranean into the European Union (EU) in the first five months of this year more than doubled compared to the same period last year. According to Frontex, EU countries recorded more than 50,300 irregular entries via this route in the first five months of the year, the highest figure since 2017.
Frontex said the central Mediterranean remains the main migration route to reach the EU, noting that this route, located off the Italian coast, has recorded half of the irregular arrivals so far in 2023.
The total number of arrivals recorded by all routes, including the eastern Mediterranean, the Balkan route, and the Canary Islands, reached 102,000, representing an increase of 12% compared to the first five months of 2022.
Frontex stressed that migration pressure remains high and warned that an increase in smugglers’ activity in the region is expected in the coming months.
In summary, the number of migrants attempting to reach the European Union via the central Mediterranean has increased significantly in the first five months of this year. This route remains the most used, and there has been an overall increase in irregular arrivals along all migratory routes. Frontex warns of continued migratory pressure and a possible increase in smuggler activity in the region in the coming months.