ru.euronews.com
EU Illegal Immigration Falls to Three-Year Low Amidst Regional Variations and High Death Toll
In 2024, illegal entries into the EU dropped to a three-year low of 239,000, down 38% from 2023, due to increased cooperation with North African countries and Western Balkan nations. However, this masks regional variations and the human cost of these policies, as over 2300 migrants died attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
- What is the overall impact of EU border control measures on illegal immigration in 2024, and what specific factors contributed to the observed changes?
- The number of illegal entries into the EU reached its lowest level in three years, with 239,000 recorded in 2024—a 38% decrease from 2023. This drop is attributed to increased cooperation with Tunisia and Libya, intercepting migrant boats, and efforts to align visa policies with EU standards in the Western Balkans.
- How do the changes in illegal immigration routes across different regions of the EU reflect varying levels of border control and cooperation with neighboring countries?
- Decreased illegal crossings in the central Mediterranean and Western Balkans (59% and 78% respectively) contrast with an 18% increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands and a tripling of arrivals from the eastern land borders. The EU suspects Belarus is using migrants for destabilization.
- What are the ethical and humanitarian implications of the EU's border control policies, considering the high number of deaths at sea and the lack of differentiation between economic migrants and asylum seekers?
- While the overall decrease suggests success in border control, the data doesn't distinguish between economic migrants and asylum seekers, nor does it account for undetected crossings. The high number of deaths at sea (over 2300 in 2024) highlights the human cost of these migration policies and the need for a more comprehensive approach.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the reduction in illegal crossings as a success story, emphasizing the cooperation between the EU and countries like Tunisia and Libya. While this is a part of the story, the focus on the decrease overshadows the substantial number of deaths and the persistent challenges related to migration. The headline (if there were one) would likely reflect this positive framing, potentially downplaying the ongoing crisis. The inclusion of expert opinions supporting the EU's approach reinforces this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although phrases like "illegal crossings" and "illegal migrants" could be considered loaded. These terms imply criminality, whereas the individuals may be seeking refuge or better economic opportunities. More neutral alternatives could include "irregular border crossings" or "undocumented migrants". The use of the term "pressure on Spain" when referring to increased arrivals on the Canary Islands subtly frames the migrants as a burden.
Bias by Omission
The article acknowledges that some border crossings may not be recorded, and the data doesn't distinguish between economic migrants and asylum seekers. This omission is significant because it prevents a complete understanding of the situation and could lead to misinterpretations of the overall migration trends. The lack of data on deaths and disappearances is also a significant omission, especially given the mention of over 2300 deaths at sea. The article mentions the increase in illegal migration from the Eastern borders and blames Belarus, but it lacks details about the nature of the Belarusian government's actions and the reasons behind the increase.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the migration issue, focusing on the decrease in illegal crossings in some areas while highlighting the increase in others. It doesn't fully explore the complex interplay of factors driving migration, such as political instability, economic disparities, and climate change. The framing of the situation as a simple decrease or increase in numbers overlooks the human cost and the multifaceted nature of the problem.
Sustainable Development Goals
The decrease in illegal crossings reflects improved cooperation between the EU and countries like Tunisia and Libya, leading to enhanced border control and potentially contributing to regional stability. However, the increase in illegal crossings from the Eastern borders and the use of migrants for destabilization efforts by Minsk raise concerns about security and geopolitical risks.