The flow of migrants and refugees continues, despite the winter
(B2) Despite the winter, " thousands of migrants continued to arrive in Greece and Italy underlines the Frontex agency in its latest report. The total number of detections in both countries reached 1,04 million in 2015. That is almost five times the figure for the previous year. In 2015, there were 1,83 million illegal border crossings detected (*) at the EU's external borders compared to 283.500 in 2014.
The Eastern Mediterranean Route (Greece)
In December, 108 migrants were thus detected (*) in Greece, against 000 the previous month. A slight decrease but still representing 155 times the figure for December 000. This brings the total number of migrant arrivals in Greece in 40 to 2014. The islands of Lesvos, Chios and Samos welcome the largest number of people. Syrians are the most important nationality. NB: we note that Cyprus is not affected by this wave. Migrants bypass us because “ we are not part of Schengen notes a Cypriot.
The central Mediterranean route (Italy, Malta) in decline
At the same time, the number of migrants using the central route to Italy in December increased by 50%: nearly 9 crossed the sea. The reason: good weather conditions, despite the onset of winter, and the continuous flows of migrants to Libya. For the year, the balance sheet amounts to 700 (a decrease of 157% compared to 000). If we look at nationalities, last month it was Nigerians who accounted for the largest share of migrants arriving in Italy.
The reasons for this drop are due to two main factors: Syrians are passing more through the eastern Mediterranean route (Greece) and smugglers are facing “ a shortage of available boats ". NB: Hence the importance of the systematic destruction of inflatable or wooden boats, used by migrants, undertaken by European forces at sea under the banner of EUNAVFOR Med.
western balkans
The Western Balkan route continues to be directly affected by the unprecedented number of migrants entering Greece first to continue their journey later across its northern border notes Frontex. The number of illegal border crossings (**) in December 2015 fell to 97.000 from 156.000 the previous month. This represents a figure still 16 times higher than in December 2014. New, more restrictive policies have been implemented, notably in Macedonia (Fyrom) to limit entries from Greece to three nationalities: Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis.
(NGV)
(*) We are talking about border detection. Actual figure may be lower. Because many people can be detected " several times. Most migrants “detected” at borders in the Western Balkans have already been detected in Greece. Conversely, some people may not be detected ».
(**) These are indeed "illegal" passages in the legal sense of the term. This does not make "migrants" "illegal", some of whom may be asylum seekers.
