Countries: Greece, Italy, Spain, World Source: Mixed Migration Centre Please refer to the attached file. Key Updates• Irregular migration to the EU falls by a fifth compared to previous year: According to preliminary Frontex data for the first half of 2025, the number of irregular arrivals in the EU has dropped 20% compared to the same period in 2024, totalling around 75,900. However, while certain routes saw significant reductions, including the Western Balkans (-53%), the Atlantic route (-41%), the Eastern Mediterranean route (-24%) and the Eastern Land Border (-50%), the Western Mediterranean (+19%) and Central Mediterranean (+12%) routes saw an increase.• Sharp rise in arrivals in Crete prompts diplomatic tensions between Greece and Libya: by far the most popular destination within Greece this year is Crete and surrounding islands, with 7,135 arrivals as of 29 June. While the EU has been pressuring Libyan authorities to do more to prevent these crossings, the Greek government threatened to dispatch warships to reduce migration and in early July announced that for three months it would be suspending asylum applications from migrants who had embarked from North Africa.• Italy’s failed Albania migrant facilities repurposed as return hubs: Italy’s controversial migration facilities in Albania, suspended shortly after opening in October 2024, have been repurposed to detain rejected asylum seekers prior to deportation. The first deportations direct from the facilities in Albania reportedly took place in early May, though were only reported in late June.• Portugal announces migrant expulsion drive: In early May, ahead of national elections later that month, the Portuguese government announced plans to expel approximately 18,000 undocumented migrants in the country.• Bosnia and Herzegovina agrees new deal on migration management with the EU: In June, Bosnia and Herzegovina entered into a new agreement with Frontex to undertake joint operations along its borders to reduce irregular movement through the country.• France and the UK in discussion around maritime interceptions and migrant exchanges: France will begin intercepting migrant boats at sea from July to reduce crossings to the UK. The UK and France are also discussing a potential migrant exchange programme.