In a press release today, Frontex reported the following key developments:

• 28 130 irregular border crossings were detected in the first two months of 2023. In February, nearly 13 800 irregular border crossings were detected at EU’s external borders, slightly more than a year ago.
   
• The Central Mediterranean route accounts for two of every five irregular border crossings into the EU: The Central Mediterranean was the most active route in the first two months of this year with nearly 12 000 irregular border crossings, double the figure from a year ago. In February, the number of detections on this route tripled from a year ago to 7 000. Meanwhile, the Western Balkans saw a significant decrease in crossings in February thanks to the alignment of Serbia's visa policy with EU requirements. However, it remains the second most active migratory route into the European Union with nearly 8 400 detections. The number of irregular crossings in the English Channel towards the UK increased in 2023 to more than 5 600, up 82% compared with the same period in 2022.
   
• Nationals of Syria, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Afghanistan and Pakistan account for the largest number of detections.
   
• Currently, more than 2 400 standing corps officers and Frontex staff are taking part in various operational activities. They support EU member states and neighbouring countries with irregular migration and other challenges at the external borders.

For further information, please read the press release from Frontex.