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Migration flows: Eastern, Central and Western routes

Yearly irregular arrivals (2015-2026)

Data up to June 2026. Western route refers to Western Mediterranean and Western African routes.

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Irregular arrivals in the EU have decreased significantly since the peak of the migration crisis in 2015.

In 2026, 45 077 irregular arrivals were registered. The breakdown per migratory route is as follows:

  • Central route: 14 272 arrivals
  • Eastern route: 16 641 arrivals
  • Western routes: 12 138 arrivals

Figures for the Western route exclude arrivals in Ceuta on 17 and 18 May 2021.

Monthly irregular arrivals (2015-2026)

Data up to June 2026. Western route refers to Western Mediterranean and Western African routes.

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In June 2026, 8 578 irregular arrivals have been registered. The breakdown per migratory route is as follows:

  • Central route: 2 639 arrivals
  • Eastern route: 4 025 arrivals
  • Western routes: 1 914 arrivals

Figures for the Western route exclude arrivals in Ceuta on 17 and 18 May 2021.

Top nationalities per route (2026)

Data up to June 2026. Western route arrivals exclude arrivals to Canary Islands.

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In 2026, the top nationalities of irregular arrivals were:

  • Bangladesh:  4 196 on the Central route
  • Afghanistan: 3 904 on the Eastern route
  • Algeria: 3 409 on the Western route

For more information on the EU's response to migratory flows, visit the following pages:

Last review: 13 August 2026