Mixed Migration in Europe

Mixed migration flows to Europe gained massive attention in 2015 when unprecedented numbers reached Greece and Italy. Since then, migration has remained high on the political and public agenda and several migration management initiatives have been put in place by the EU and national governments to combat migrant smuggling, reduce irregular migration and in some cases find legal pathways: The Joint Action Plan signed by the EU and Turkey and the following EU-Turkey Statement, consecutive border closures at the Balkan route and bilateral efforts by Italy to reduce crossings along the Central Mediterranean route.

While we have seen an overall reduction of numbers arriving to Europe since 2016 migrants and refugees continue to find ways to enter the region in search for protection and better living conditions. Issues remain: overcrowded EU hot spots in Greece and Italy, detention, collective expulsions, pushbacks, and human rights abuses.