Brussels, 17 Apr. (LaPresse) – Adverse weather conditions along the main migration routes to the European Union have been among the key factors behind the continued and sharp decline in irregular border crossings. In the first three months of 2026, detections fell by 39% compared to the same period last year, with just over 21,400 crossings recorded. This is reported by the EU border control agency Frontex, based on preliminary data. The Central Mediterranean recorded around 6,200 irregular crossings in the first quarter, a 33% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. The Eastern Mediterranean was the busiest migration route to the EU in the first quarter, with around 6,500 arrivals recorded. Detections along this route fell by 34% year-on-year. The Western Mediterranean was the only major route to record an increase, with around 4,400 detections. This represents a 66% increase year-on-year, although March saw a decline compared to February. Detected attempts to reach the UK via the English Channel, which include both those who reached the UK and those prevented from leaving, fell by 41% to 6,600. The West African route saw the sharpest decline, with detections down by 83% compared to the first quarter of 2025.