The number of irregular entries detected in the EU space increased by 13% in the first seven months of 2023 to 176,100, the highest figure since 2016, Frontex announced on Friday.
According to preliminary data from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the increase between January and July of this year was registered entirely in crossings through the Central Mediterranean, which continues to be the main migratory route to the EU and registers always more than half irregular entries.
Of the total, 89,047 people tried to enter the EU through the Central Mediterranean, while 52,232 did so through the Western Balkans region. Only 6,811 people tried to reach European territory through the Western Mediterranean and 27,260 through the United Kingdom.
In July, 42,700 irregular crossings into European territory were identified, an increase of 19% and also the highest figure in this month since 2016.
Source: TSF
