During the final quarter of 2012, several FRAN indicators varied radically compared to previous reporting periods. For example, there were just 13 613 detections of illegal border-crossing at the EU level, which is the lowest ever recorded figure for any quarter since data collection began in early 2008. In contrast, both clandestine entries and asylum applications were at by far their highest levels since data collection began and, although falling slightly compared with the previous quarter, refusals of entry at the external border remained at one of the highest levels since 2009.