Europe Surpasses 1 Million Migrant Arrivals, Prompting Concerns Over Crisis Response

Strategic Insights -

More than 1 million migrants have arrived in Europe this year, marking a symbolic threshold in the continent's most divisive political issue. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that 1,005,504 migrants had reached Europe, a five-fold increase from the total last year and the highest migration flow since the second world war. The humanitarian crisis has resulted in 3,692 migrant deaths, surpassing the number of deaths in 2014 by over 400.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total number of migrants arriving in Europe this year has surpassed 1 million, with 1,005,504 recorded by the IOM.
  • The majority of migrants, 821,008, arrived in Greece, with almost all coming by boat.
  • Italy received the second-largest total, with 150,317 arrivals, while Bulgaria had 29,959 arrivals.
  • The IOM noted a growing number of child victims in Greece, with six children washed up dead on Greek islands this month.
  • Migrants are moving north quickly from Greece, with 77% of December's arrivals already leaving the country.
  • The war in Syria has spurred migration through Turkey and Greece, but the numbers crossing the central Mediterranean to Italy have fallen since September.
  • The refugee crisis has become Europe's defining political battleground, testing the solidarity of the EU and fueling the rhetoric of the far-right.

Statistics:

  • 1,005,504: Total number of migrants arriving in Europe this year (IOM).
  • 821,008: Number of migrants arriving in Greece (IOM).
  • 150,317: Number of migrants arriving in Italy (IOM).
  • 29,959: Number of migrants arriving in Bulgaria (IOM).
  • 3,692: Number of migrant deaths attempting to reach Europe (IOM).
  • 6: Number of children washed up dead on Greek islands this month (Greek coastguards).
  • 77%: Proportion of December's arrivals who have already left Greece (IOM).
  • 400+: Number of excess migrant deaths in 2015 compared to 2014 (IOM).
  • 130: Number of people killed in November's Paris terror attacks (BBC News).
  • 62: Number of people who drowned when a boat capsized off the Greek island of Chios (IOM).

Sources:

  • International Organisation for Migration (IOM): 1,005,504 migrant arrivals in Europe this year.
  • Greek coastguards: 6 children washed up dead on Greek islands this month.
  • BBC News: 130 people killed in November's Paris terror attacks.
  • IOM: Migrant deaths, arrivals, and movements.