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Frontex has released new preliminary data showing a significant decrease in irregular border crossings into the EU in 2024, with a 38% drop compared to the previous year, bringing the total number of detections to the lowest level since 2021, when migration was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The European Commission published its fifth report on the progress made in the EU in combatting Trafficking in Human Beings. The report outlines the main anti-trafficking actions from 2021 to 2024 and provides an analysis of statistics for the period of 2021-2022.

On 1 January, Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen Area after the checks on persons at the internal land borders were lifted. Welcoming both member states into the Schengen area will boost travel, trade and tourism and contribute to strengthening the internal market.

European and international law enforcement authorities in October 2024 have targeted multiple criminal networks in the areas of trafficking in human beings, migrant smuggling, drug and illegal firearms trafficking, and the high-risk criminal networks. The operation has been organised by EMPACT.

On International Migrants Day, the Commission and High Representative have issued a joint statement reaffirming the EU's commitment to addressing migration in a comprehensive, humane, and sustainable manner, and call for enhanced international cooperation to address migration's global dimension.

The 2024 European Migration Forum gathered participants from over 200 civil society organisations, the European Economic and Social Committee, national and regional authorities, and migrant-led organisations, to share insights and promote the role of civil society in in implementing the Pact.

RAYUELA has created a video game with 6 cyber-adventures that address important issues such as online grooming, cyberbullying, fake news, and phishing. The game was designed not only to protect victims, but also to prevent the young people from becoming criminals in the cyber world.

Retrieving electronic evidence promptly and asking the right questions can make the difference in solving cybercrime cases. The E-learning package eFirst 2.0 aims to equip law enforcement agents with the basics of electronic evidence and crimes related to new technologies.

To combat the complex issue of migrant smuggling, the EU has been supporting research and innovation projects through the Horizon 2020 funding programme. These projects have made significant strides in developing AI-powered tools to counter migrant smuggling and enhance maritime surveillance.