1. Animated Map of migration routes to the Schengen Area

2. European Union and the Schengen Area
EU countries in Schengen
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen

3. Main migration routes to the EU from Turkey, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 2004 – 2008.
Majority of migrants from MENA up to 2008 were seeking work in Spain, Italy and Greece. Many Turkish migrants were seeking to join family members already in W. & N. Europe, but also some refugees from conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Eritrea were trying to reach the EU through Turkey. However, most of the migrants from these conflict zones sought refuge within the MENA region.
EU countries in Schengen
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen
Arrows depict routes taken by migrants
Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa

4. Main migration routes to the EU from Turkey, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 2009 – 2010.
The economic and financial crisis which began in the EU in 2008 led to a drop in demand for labour in the construction and service industries in southern Europe. The number of migrants from Turkey and MENA declined. Instead the majority of migrants in MENA countries looked for work in neighbouring states in the region.
EU countries in Schengen
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen
Size of arrow reflects numbers migrating
Main routes from Turkey. Increased numbers of refugees from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq sought access to the EU through Turkey and on to Greece but far more migrated to the MENA region.
Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa

5. Main migration routes to the EU from Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as a result of the Arab Spring Revolts in
The Arab Spring revolts triggered mass migration in much of North Africa. At the same time migrants were still fleeing Afghanistan, Somalia and Eritrea. The majority of people displaced by the violence and unrest moved to neighbouring states in the MENA region and most returned to their homelands after order was restored. The countries where migration was highest and most prolonged were Libya, Syria and Sudan. Libya and Syria were also major recipients of refugees from neighbouring states. Only 5% of the refugees travelled to the EU, mainly through Spain, Italy and Greece
EU countries in Schengen area
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen
MENA states where revolt led to regime reforms
MENA states where revolt led to civil war.
Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa

6. Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa
Main migration routes to the EU from Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in
From 2013 onwards the majority of migrants seeking access to the EU were coming from the major conflict zones: Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Nigeria, Congo and Iraq. However, as in previous years the majority were seeking refuge in neighbouring states rather than in the EU. The main routes to the EU now were through Turkey to Greece, through Italy and through the Western Balkans. But a small number now took an eastern route through the Russian Federation to Ukraine or Norway and Sweden.
EU countries in Schengen
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen
Size of arrow reflects numbers migrating
Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa

7. Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa
Main migration routes to the EU from Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in
Although fewer refugees were migrating to the EU from Libya in the numbers from Syria increased substantially as a result of rebel strongholds being besieged by regime forces, aerial strikes by Russian and NATO planes and the increased operations of ISIS. At the same time large numbers of migrants were still seeking access to the EU from the other major conflict zones in MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa and East Africa.
EU countries in Schengen
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen
Size of arrow reflects numbers migrating
Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa

8. Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa
Main migration routes to the EU from Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in
In 2015 nearly 1 million migrants arrived in the EU. The largest groups came from Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Somalia. A number of EU states began building fences or walls to limit and control entry. Other EU states have re-introduced border controls within the Schengen area. The result has been a growing number of migrants living in camps in Greece, Italy and the Balkans while waiting for entry to Austria, Hungary and Germany. Meanwhile over the same period 2.5 million migrants have moved into Turkey, 2 million to Pakistan, 1 million each to Jordan, Iran, Lebanon, and many more elsewhere in the MENA region.
EU countries in Schengen
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen
Existing or planned border fences
Border controls within Schengen area
Size of arrow reflects numbers migrating
Spanish enclaves of Ceuta & Melilla
Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa

9. Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa
Main migration routes to the EU from Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in
EU countries in Schengen
Non-EU countries in Schengen
EU countries waiting to join Schengen
EU countries opted out of Schengen
Existing or planned border fences
Border controls within Schengen area
Size of arrow reflects numbers migrating
Spanish enclaves of Ceuta & Melilla
Migrants from Sub-Saharan, West and East Africa