This figure represents a significant decrease compared to the 10,457 deaths recorded in the previous 12 months. However, activists caution that the reduction in fatalities does not necessarily indicate improved conditions for migrants. Helena Maleno, research coordinator for Caminando Fronteras, stated that tighter border controls are forcing migrants to take increasingly dangerous routes.

Much of the decline in fatalities is attributed to heightened border policing, particularly in Mauritania. In 2024, the European Union and Mauritania signed a migration deal worth 210 million euros. This agreement aimed to strengthen Mauritania's border control capabilities, thereby reducing the number of migrants attempting to reach Spain via the Atlantic route.

While the EU frames such agreements as humanitarian efforts to combat human trafficking and prevent deaths at sea, critics argue that they externalize border control and push migrants into more perilous situations. The increased surveillance and interception efforts along traditional routes may be diverting migrants to less monitored, but more dangerous, pathways. This can include longer voyages in less seaworthy vessels, increasing the risk of capsizing or other maritime disasters.

The situation highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI and technology in border management. AI-powered surveillance systems, for example, are increasingly being deployed to detect and intercept migrant vessels. While these systems can potentially save lives by alerting authorities to distress situations, they also contribute to the overall tightening of borders, potentially leading to unintended consequences. The effectiveness of these technologies depends heavily on the data they are trained on, and biases in the data can lead to discriminatory outcomes.

The Caminando Fronteras report underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes to Europe. While the number of deaths has decreased, the underlying factors driving migration, such as poverty, conflict, and climate change, remain unaddressed. The focus on border security, while seemingly effective in reducing fatalities in the short term, may ultimately exacerbate the risks faced by migrants seeking a better life. The long-term impact of the EU-Mauritania deal and similar agreements on migration patterns and migrant safety remains to be seen.