The number of those seeking to enter the European Union via the Mediterranean Sea in the first three months of 2023 has matched the numbers recorded in the previous year, according to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described this period as the most significant in recorded deaths since 2017.
Frontex reported that the first quarter witnessed a total of 54,000 illegal crossings into the European Union across all routes, which is an increase of one-fifth compared to the numbers recorded in 2022. They stated, "The Central Mediterranean route accounts for more than half of the illegal crossings into the EU."
Additionally, Frontex noted, "Organized crime groups have taken advantage of improved weather and political unrest in some countries of departure to attempt to smuggle as many migrants as possible through the Central Mediterranean from Tunisia and Libya."
The organization's director, Antonio Vitorino, remarked, "The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Central Mediterranean is unbearable," urging the authorities in the countries to conduct more search and rescue operations.
