Currently, fewer refugees are arriving in Europe via the main refugee routes, such as the Mediterranean. According to the Integration Media Service, so-called irregular migration has declined.
From January through the end of August 2026, the number of arrivals via the main refugee routes in the Mediterranean region fell by about 33 percent compared to the same period last year—to about 63,500 people, according to a statement. The largest group that was able to enter the European Union arrived in Greece, particularly Crete. Most refugees came from Sudan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Fewer Refugees Already in 2025
In Italy, the number fell by about 55 percent to 19,200 people. Spain saw a 15 percent decrease, with about 20,400 arrivals. They were mostly from Algeria, Morocco, and Mali. These figures do not include the approximately 72,000 migrants who reached the exclave of Ceuta between July 30 and August 3, 2026. Most were immediately deported back to Morocco.
As early as 2025, the number of refugees on the main routes to Europe had already declined.
Source and further information:
https://mediendienst-integration.de/fluechtlinge/fluechtlinge-in-deutschland/wie-viele-irregulaere-einreisen-gibt-es-nach-europa/
https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/ausland/ceuta-spanien-eu-hilfe-asyl-antraege-100.html
https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/asylbewerber-leistungen-weniger-empfaenger-100.html
https://tuenews.de/deutlich-weniger-asylantraege-in-deutschland/
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