(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 12 - Irregular entries into the European Union decreased by 52% in the first two months of 2026, to nearly 12,000, according to preliminary data released by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The Central Mediterranean region remains the primary migration route into the EU, accounting for nearly 30% of all irregular entries recorded this year. Between January and February, nearly 3,400 arrivals were detected, representing a 50% decrease from the previous year. "Meanwhile," the Agency notes, "the worsening situation in the Middle East may fuel displacement in the region in the coming months. So far, this has had little impact on the migration situation at the EU's external borders. Frontex continues to closely monitor developments" The West African route experienced the sharpest decline, with detections down 83% from the first two months of 2025. The human toll keeps rising. According to the International Organisation for Migration, nearly 660 people died in the Mediterranean during the first two months of 2026. Many of these tragedies were the result of severe weather. Irregular entries into the European Union decreased by 52% in the first two months of 2026, to nearly 12,000, according to preliminary data released by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The Central Mediterranean region remains the primary migration route into the EU, accounting for nearly 30% of all irregular entries recorded this year. Between January and February, nearly 3,400 arrivals were detected, representing a 50% decrease from the previous year. "Meanwhile," the Agency notes, "the worsening situation in the Middle East may fuel displacement in the region in the coming months. So far, this has had little impact on the migration situation at the EU's external borders. (ANSA).