Schengen Area Sees 26% Drop in Illegal Border Crossings

Why this is here: The Entry/Exit System registered over 66 million border crossings in its first six months of operation, and denied entry to 32,000 individuals lacking proper authorization.

The European Commission published its fifth report on the Schengen Area Monday, finding the zone of free movement remains resilient and prepared for future challenges. The report highlights a 26% decrease in illegal border crossings in 2025 compared to 2024, alongside increased efficiency in returning individuals without EU residency—reaching a 28% return rate, the highest in a decade.

The full launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in April 2026 marks a key step in strengthening the area’s external borders. In its first six months, the EES registered over 66 million entries and exits, denying entry to 32,000 people without proper authorization. In January 2026, the Commission also adopted its first EU visa strategy.

The report notes ongoing challenges, particularly given the current geopolitical climate, and the need for continued collective responsibility. Priorities for 2026-2027 include strengthening external border security through digitalization and partnerships, and improving return procedures with a proposed legislative initiative for digitalized case management. Work continues to finalize Cyprus’s accession to the Schengen Area.