Countries: Libya, Algeria, Canary Islands (Spain), Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia Source: Mixed Migration Centre Please refer to the attached file. The core countries of focus for this region are Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. Depending on the quarterly trends and migration-related updates, more attention may be given to some of the countries over the rest. Key Updates Severe maritime conditions across the Mediterranean have disrupted departures while sharply increasing the risks of sea crossings, contributing to observed shifts in routes and heightened mortality. As of early April 2026, at least 990 people have died or gone missing across the Mediterranean, making this one of the deadliest starts to a year since 2014. Many incidents occurred along the CMR, particularly from Libya and Tunisia. Irregular sea arrivals to Italy declined by 32% in early 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Libya remains the main departure point (87%) while the share of departures from Tunisia and Algeria has increased. Ceuta has become the main entry point into Spain in early 2026, with 1,819 arrivals as of 31 March. Overall arrivals to Spain declined by 48% compared to early 2025, driven by a drop along the Atlantic Route (-82%). In contrast, arrivals along the WMR increased (+68%), confirming its growing prominence. The EU is considering expanding migration cooperation in eastern Libya, including support for a Maritime Coordination Centre in Benghazi. The initiative reflects growing focus on departures from eastern Libya. In February and March 2026, the EU adopted a list of ‘safe countries of origin,’ including Tunisia and Morocco, and advanced a proposed Return Regulation, as part of broader efforts to tighten migration governance. More than 34,000 individuals were expelled from Algeria to Niger in 2025, a 10% increase compared to 2024. Alarme Phone Sahara reports that deportations from Algeria and other North African countries continue at scale, often carried out in harsh and dangerous conditions. Algerian authorities introduced a measure allowing nationals abroad in irregular situations to return without penalties for irregular departure. Migrants and refugees’ deaths reported near Algeria-Morocco border. On 11-12 March 2026, six bodies were discovered near the Algeria-Morocco border. Since 2017, at least 76 deaths have been recorded, raising concerns over expulsions to remote border areas and limited coordination.