Two MEPs from the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group have asked the European Commission what operational and diplomatic measures it plans to take against a sharp rise in irregular crossings on the Western Mediterranean route. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 11 May 2026, Jean-Paul Garraud and Fabrice Leggeri warn that the 66% year-on-year increase on this route, which recorded around 4,400 crossings in the first quarter of 2026, exposes a vulnerability in the EU's external border and threatens the security of the Schengen area.
The question cites Frontex data showing that overall irregular border crossings into the EU fell by about 40% in the first quarter of 2026, but notes that the Western Mediterranean is the only major route where numbers rose. The MEPs argue that smuggling networks are rapidly adapting to controls and shifting flows to weaker points.
Three concrete demands
The MEPs put three specific questions to the Commission. First, they ask what additional operational measures will be taken with Frontex to strengthen surveillance in the Western Mediterranean. Second, they inquire whether European resources will be mobilised specifically to combat the smuggling networks active on this route. Third, they ask whether the Commission will propose making aid, visas and cooperation agreements with countries of origin and transit more strictly conditional on verifiable results in preventing departures and ensuring readmission.
Policy direction and expected follow-up
The question signals a preference for tougher external border enforcement and greater conditionality in EU cooperation with third countries. It does not set numerical targets or deadlines but presses for concrete operational and diplomatic steps. Under parliamentary rules, the Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it shares the MEPs' assessment and what policy measures it is prepared to advance.
Stakeholders impacted
If the Commission acts on the demands, the main stakeholders affected would be: Frontex, which would receive additional resources and a reinforced mandate in the Western Mediterranean; national authorities in Southern EU member states, who would see increased EU support for border surveillance; smuggling networks, which would face intensified counter-measures; and third countries of origin and transit, which could face stricter conditionality on EU aid and visa policies.
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