DR ‹ › While irregular migration routes to the European Union are experiencing one of their calmest periods in years, the Western Mediterranean route linked to Morocco stands out as the only major exception. Recent data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, shows a 39% drop in total illegal crossings in the first quarter of 2026, amid climate pressures and shifts in smuggling networks' strategies. Most traditional routes, including the Eastern and Central Mediterranean, recorded sharp declines of more than one-third. However, the Western Mediterranean route, connecting the Moroccan and Algerian coasts to Spain, was the only major corridor to see a significant increase. The route recorded 4,402 crossings in the first three months of 2026, marking a 66% rise compared to the same period last year. In terms of nationalities, migrants from Morocco, Algeria, and Mali accounted for the majority of arrivals along this route. By contrast, the West African route toward the Canary Islands saw a steep 83% drop, with only 1,640 crossings recorded. Despite the overall decline, Frontex warned that «the human cost continues to rise», noting that around 1,000 people have died in the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year.
