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EU Irregular Entries Drop 38% in 2024
The number of irregular entries into the European Union fell by 38% in 2024 to 239,000—the lowest since 2021—due to increased cooperation with partner countries and stricter visa rules, according to Frontex; however, challenges remain in certain regions.
- What is the overall impact of increased EU cooperation with partner countries on the number of irregular entries in 2024?
- Irregular entries into the EU dropped by 38% in 2024 to 239,000, the lowest since 2021. This decrease is mainly due to increased cooperation with partner countries in combating human trafficking networks. The data, from the Frontex border control agency, refers to registered irregular entries, not total attempts.
- How did stricter visa regulations and bilateral agreements contribute to the decrease in irregular entries via specific routes such as the Western Balkans?
- The significant reduction in irregular entries, particularly via the Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes, reflects the impact of bilateral agreements and stricter visa rules. Increased cooperation with North African countries, such as the agreement with Tunisia, and tougher visa policies in the Western Balkans have yielded noticeable results. However, challenges persist.
- What are the potential future challenges and implications of the observed trends in irregular migration, considering the geopolitical context and regional instabilities?
- While the decrease in irregular migration is significant, the EU still faces challenges. The increase in entries via Belarus and Ukraine, potentially politically motivated by Russia and Belarus, highlights the complexity of the issue. Rising violence by smugglers and potential new refugee crises from regions like the Sahel necessitate ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies. The situation in the Canary Islands, with a record high of 47,000 arrivals, exemplifies the persistent regional disparities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraph emphasize the decrease in irregular entries. This framing, while factually accurate, sets a tone that focuses on the success of EU border control measures, potentially downplaying the ongoing challenges and the humanitarian aspects of the situation. The article later mentions increased violence, deaths at sea, and the potential for new refugee crises, but these elements are presented less prominently than the overall decrease in arrivals.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although certain words and phrases could be interpreted as subtly biased. For example, the repeated use of "irregular entries" frames migration as a violation, rather than a complex humanitarian issue. The description of the EU's reaction to the Belarus-Ukraine route as "endurecimento das regras para concessão de asilo e refúgio" (tightening rules for granting asylum and refuge) could be seen as negatively framing the EU's response. More neutral alternatives would be, for example, "changes in asylum and refuge policies" or "adjustments to asylum and refuge procedures".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the decrease in irregular entries but gives less attention to the perspectives of migrants and refugees, their reasons for migration, and the challenges they face. The increase in violence by smugglers and the dangerous conditions of the Mediterranean route are mentioned, but lack detailed analysis. The human cost of border control measures, such as those employed by Tunisia, is largely absent. While acknowledging the limitations of space, the omission of these perspectives weakens the overall understanding of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between the EU's efforts to curb irregular migration and the challenges posed by this migration. While acknowledging that the EU faces challenges with irregular migration, it does not fully explore alternative solutions or policy approaches beyond border security measures and bilateral agreements. The framing of the issue as a problem of excessive irregular migration, rather than a complex humanitarian and geopolitical issue, limits a more nuanced discussion.
Gender Bias
The article does not explicitly exhibit gender bias in its language or representation. However, a more thorough analysis would require examining the gender breakdown of migrants and refugees mentioned, and whether gendered aspects of the migration experience are adequately addressed.
Sustainable Development Goals
The decrease in irregular entries into the EU reflects improved cooperation between the EU and partner countries in combating human trafficking and smuggling networks. This contributes to stronger institutions and better governance in managing migration flows, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.