
Canary Islands: Still No Political Will To Halt Illegal Arrivals
Insufficient relocations and adult migrants posing as minors are now acknowledged, but effectively closing the migration route is not on the establishment’s agenda.

Insufficient relocations and adult migrants posing as minors are now acknowledged, but effectively closing the migration route is not on the establishment’s agenda.

EU border agency Frontex reports that more than 12,500 people used the Balkan route to reach Europe in 2025.

The drop in detected illegal entries at the EU’s external borders contrasts with increasing vulnerabilities from air routes, criminal networks, and political instrumentalisation of migration.

The Commission’s five-year plan prioritises external control to ease political pressure but offers no structural solution to the migration phenomenon.

Those rescued from a single migrant boat come from multiple locations—including Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan.

Proposals include new operational capacities, rapid response mechanisms, support at key airports and strategic sites.

“There is a political space to say to the EPP, ‘Let’s be serious; if you really want to have a stricter migration policy, stricter border controls, and a serious return policy, cooperate with us.’”

The Mitsotakis government is determined to stem the flow of migrants arriving primarily from North Africa.

Six officials face trial over the 2023 Cutro wreck as media are accused of ignoring the rescue of over 80 people.
Bosnia and Herzegovina are to work with the EU on border control—although be prepared to manage expectations.