(3 Minutes Read)
In the first two months of 2025, the Central Mediterranean route, linking North Africa to Europe, saw a 48% increase in illegal border crossings compared to 2024.
The European Union Migration Commissioner, Magnus Brunner, said that the EU would take a firm approach with Libyan authorities, following a rise in illegal migration across the Mediterranean.
In the first two months of 2025, the Central Mediterranean route, linking North Africa to Europe, saw a 48% increase in illegal border crossings compared to 2024.
Magnus Brunner plans to travel to Libya next week with government representatives from Greece, Italy, and Malta. He discussed the upcoming visit in a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens and explained the importance of resolving the issue at the earliest.
The European delegation will demand tougher measures from Libyan authorities to stop boats carrying migrants from leaving for Europe. Brunner said the delegation will meet both the United Nations-recognised government in western Libya and a rival authority led by warlord Khalifa Haftar in the east of the country.
Libya remains a key departure point for sea crossings as the Central Mediterranean route is one of the most active and dangerous migration paths towards Europe. Since the start of 2025, 542 migrants have been reported dead or missing, according to the International Organisation for Migration’s Missing Migrants project. The persistent number of victims has prompted concerns across the EU.
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Greece recently announced plans to send warships to international waters in the Mediterranean, following a surge in crossings from Libya to the southern Greek island of Crete.
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