Watch: ARTE Europe Weekly: Fewer migrant arrivals in the EU – but at what cost?

The Mediterranean Sea is the world’s deadliest migration route

Frontex reported a remarkable 25 per cent reduction in irregular border crossings in 2025, which Europe sees as proof that deals with partner countries like Mauritania, Tunisia and Algeria to deter migrants are working.

However, rights groups warn that people are being detained and abused in the EU’s partner countries, far from European shores. Is Europe willing to pay that price?

This interview is produced by ARTE and distributed in nine languages thanks to the Emove Hub project. Participating media outlets include EL PAÍS (Spain), Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland), Internazionale (Italy), Ir (Latvia), Kathimerini (Greece), Le Soir (Belgium) and Telex (Hungary). Each receives funding from the European Union under the European Media Hubs call, led by the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect).

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