Migration flows on the Western routes
The EU and its member states have taken a number of measures to address the migration situation on the Western Mediterranean and Western African routes.
Western Mediterranean route
The Western Mediterranean route refers to irregular arrivals in Spain, both via the Mediterranean Sea to mainland Spain and by land to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in Northern Africa.
Migrants transit through Morocco and Algeria to reach Spain. In 2018, the Western Mediterranean route became the most frequently used route into Europe. After the peak of arrivals in 2018, arrivals steadily decreased from 2019 onwards due to a variety of factors, and above all:
- increased efforts by Morocco to fight illegal migration
- close cooperation between Morocco, Spain and the EU
- the COVID-19 pandemic
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) supports Spain in controlling its external borders on the mainland through joint maritime operations such as Operation Indalo.
The officers, vessels and other surveillance assets deployed by the agency assist the national authorities with border surveillance and search and rescue.
In December 2022 the EU and African partners launched Team Europe Initiatives (TEI), which among other things focuses on the Western Mediterranean and Western African routes to ensure joint efforts by member states and the EU to address migration challenges. This includes a specific initiative that mobilises €950 million to work with relevant African partners.
Migration flows: Eastern, Central and Western routes (infographic)
Western African route
The Western African route refers to irregular arrivals in the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean. Migrants depart mainly from Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia and embark on dangerous journeys along the West African coast to reach the Canary Islands. The distance covered ranges from less than 100 kilometres from the nearest point on the African coast to more than 1600 kilometres from The Gambia.
In 2006 over 31 000 irregular migrants arrived in the Canaries. This was known as the Cayucos crisis, named after the popular fishing boats from Senegal and Mauritania.
In the following years the number of irregular arrivals dropped to less than 1 500 arrivals per year. After a significant increase in 2020 and 2021, the number of irregular arrivals decreased again in 2022.
EU measures in countries of transit
Following the substantial increase in arrivals recorded in 2018 on the Western Mediterranean route, the EU launched a number of new initiatives with partner countries, including intensified cooperation within the EU-Morocco partnership.
Among the areas covered by the cooperation with Morocco are:
- border management
- socio-economic integration
- institutional support and capacity building
- protection and rights of migrants
The EU is in close contact with authorities from other transit countries to step up the ongoing cooperation in managing migration.
EU action to address the root causes of migration in Africa
Valletta process
In November 2015 the Valletta summit on migration brought together European and African heads of state and government in an effort to strengthen cooperation and address the current challenges and also the opportunities from migration.
Leaders participating in the summit adopted a political declaration and an action plan designed to:
- address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement
- enhance cooperation on legal migration and mobility
- reinforce the protection of migrants and asylum seekers
- prevent and combat irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings
- work more closely to improve cooperation on return, readmission and reintegration
EU emergency trust fund for Africa
The EU emergency trust fund (EUTF) for Africa was launched by European and African partners at the Valletta Summit on migration in November 2015. Its activities focus on four strategic objectives:
- broadening economic and employment opportunities
- strengthening resilience of communities
- improving migration management
- improving governance and conflict prevention
To date, 248 actions have been approved across the three regions covered by the EUTF for Africa (North of Africa; Sahel and Lake Chad; Horn of Africa), for a total amount of approximately €4.9 billion of funding. Specific funds from the EUTF support projects and activities that tackle the root causes of irregular migration and improve migration management in the main countries of origin, departure and transit.
The results of the EUTF for Africa have been successful so far, with:
- 127 800 jobs created
- 668 500 people assisted in developing income-generating activities
- 9.5 million people receiving basic social services
- 4.4 million people receiving nutrition assistance
- 509 000 migrants in transit and forcibly displaced people protected
- 2 million people notified by information campaign of the risks connected with migration
- 2 100 victims of trafficking assisted
- 1.9 million people participating in conflict prevention and peace building activities
EU emergency trust fund for Africa (infographic)
European Union - African Union summit
The heads of state or government of the member states of the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) met for the sixth European Union - African Union summit in Brussels on 17 and 18 February 2022. EU and AU leaders agreed to an enhanced and reciprocal partnership for migration and mobility.
The EU and the AU will continue to address all aspects of migration and mobility, in line with national competences, in an integrated, comprehensive and balanced manner.
Last review: 16 July 2025