The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by 43% in the first 10 months of 2024 to 191 900, driven by significant drops on the Central Mediterranean (-62%) and Western Balkan migratory routes (-80%), according to preliminary data collected by Frontex*. Frontex supports national authorities in their border management efforts with 3 000 officers and staff deployed across the EU’s external borders. Key highlights for the first 10 months of 2024: •             Central