Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has claimed the reduction in irregular entries into the EU in 2024, is a result of her government's migration policies. The decrease in irregular migrants entering the EU in 2024, reached a three-year low with a 60 percent reduction along the Central Mediterranean route, is "undoubtedly" attributable to "Italy's actions," Meloni stated.

She added that the "overall reduction in irregular entries into the EU across other routes is the result of the extensive work our government has undertaken in recent years." According to the EU's Border Agency (Frontex), irregular crossings across various routes fell by 38 percent last year, amounting to 239,000, the lowest level since 2021, when flows were still affected by the pandemic.

This overall figure was significantly impacted by a 59 percent drop in departures from Tunisia and Libya.

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Meloni claims shift is a 'positive development'

Despite the reduction, the Central Mediterranean route, with 67,000 crossings, remained the second most utilized by migrants. Another significant decrease (78 percent) was observed along the Western Balkan route.

"We are witnessing a shift," Meloni remarked, calling it the "second piece of good news of the day" after favorable fiscal projections released by the Parliamentary Budget Office during the Council of Ministers meeting on January 14.

The European Commission echoed this sentiment, with spokesperson Markus Lammert stating that the Frontex data "demonstrates that our ongoing cooperation with partners on migration continues to bear fruit."

The data was also welcomed by Nicola Molteni, Undersecretary of the Interior, who emphasized, "It confirms the effectiveness of the government's and the Interior Ministry's policies in combating illegal immigration in Italy and Europe."

He added that "focusing on external dimensions, protecting borders, and curbing primary movements from countries of origin and transit has proven a winning strategy to counter the criminal activities of smugglers and traffickers, reducing departures and migration events toward Italy."

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Decline in landings at beginning of year

"Domestic immigration decrees, increased deportations, bilateral and multilateral agreements with Libya and Tunisia, and stronger control of land borders have enabled a significant reduction in illegal flows to Italy in 2024, with a 58 percent drop in landings -- the best result since 2021," Molteni continued.

He noted that "data from the first two weeks of January confirms a further decline in landings, proving that the government's approach to combating irregular migration is correct and should be pursued with maximum determination in the European context."

Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli attributed the reduction recorded by Frontex to "the foresight of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's effective foreign policy actions." He added, "The government's policy is not against migrants but against illegal arrivals and the human trafficking business."

Similarly, Minister for European Affairs Tommaso Foti described the outcome as "a team effort and proof of the effectiveness of the government's new approach."

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