Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by almost one-third in the first nine months of 2026, with preliminary data recording just over 91,000 crossings, according to Frontex.

The Central Mediterranean route saw the sharpest decline, with detections down 56% year on year. However, the Western Mediterranean route recorded a 26% increase. In September, authorities detected around 14,300 crossings, 28% fewer than in September 2025 but 11% more than in August.

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration reported nearly 2,000 deaths in the Mediterranean since the start of the year.

Make the article exactly 100 wordsClarify September’s comparison period

/a.p./