Europe's migrant crisis took a turn in 2024. While the number of arrivals decreased significantly compared to 2023, the political and social debates surrounding migration intensified, reshaping the continent's approach to this long-standing issue.
Across Europe, there was a surge in anti-immigration rhetoric, political shifts, and controversial policy measures as countries grappled with the migration problem.
Despite a notable drop in irregular crossings — just over 190,000 migrants entered Europe in 2024, compared to nearly 300,000 the previous year — the political response remained intense. This decline in arrivals did not ease tensions but instead fueled debates over stricter border controls and migration policies. The EU's fragmented approach to migration has drawn criticism, highlighting the lack of a unified, sustainable solution.
In Greece, migration numbers bucked the overall downward trend, with a 25 percent increase from 2023. More than 50,000 asylum seekers entered the country, making Greece a new focal point for migrants entering Europe.
"The numbers have dropped overall, with most arrivals now coming to Europe through Greece, whereas Italy used to see more via Libya," Head of the Hellenic Migration Policy Institute Alexandros Zavos told CGTN.
"For Greece, handling around 20,000 – 30,000 migrants a year until last year was manageable," he added.
Italy adopted a controversial migration plan, outsourcing asylum processing to centers in Albania. While some hailed it as a practical solution, others criticized it – including former Greek Minister of Migration Ioannis Mouzalas, who told CGTN he condemned it as a violation of international conventions.
"Despite the severe crisis in 2015–2016, the EU failed to develop a comprehensive migration policy to manage the issue effectively, focusing on appeasing far-right anti-migration rhetoric rather than leveraging the potential benefits of migration," he said.
Several EU countries reinstated border checks at previously open crossings within the internal Schengen zone – a move that some experts warn could jeopardize the EU's central ethos.
"This isn't surprising, but if the border measures go on too long, the EU's core principle of solidarity could be lost," Head of the Hellenic Migration Policy Institute Alexandros Zavos told CGTN. "With countries unwilling to take in migrants, a key pillar of the Union is at risk, leaving it as little more than an economic alliance," he added.
As 2024 draws to a close, the question remains whether Europe will continue with piecemeal solutions or take steps toward a unified migration strategy.
Measures such as stricter border controls and deals with non-EU countries have eased some immediate pressures but raised long-term concerns about solidarity and the EU's integrity.
The coming year will determine whether Europe can address migration with a cohesive and forward-looking policy framework.