In 2023, tens of millions of people were forced to flee their homes. Most stayed within their own countries or regions, but many also took long and dangerous journeys to Europe, resulting in thousands of tragic deaths.
Countries across the European Union are changing their tactics in meeting migration flows, not only by tightening border controls but also by upping the number of deportations of failed asylum seekers. Germany in particular is seeki1
In 2023, the path from North Africa across the central Mediterranean to Italy became Europe’s busiest migration route. By mid-December, more than 152,000 migrants had arrived this way in Italy.
Various NGOs have reacted with skepticism to the EU's new migration deal, with some saying it will cost more lives at sea. The UN, however, welcomed it as a step in the right direction.
The migration route towards Spain and its territories – including the Canary Islands archipelago and the two enclaves Melilla and Ceuta in North Africa -- became busier in 2023. InfoMigrants takes a look at the route and its themes1