While the overall number of migrants reaching Europe has fallen, Greece has seen a steady influx of new arrivals in the early days of the new year. Since January 1, 446 migrants have landed in the country, according to reports from the Greek Coast Guard shared by the German press agency.
Of these, 315 people were found in boats near Crete, having departed from Libya, while 131 others crossed over from Turkey to various Greek islands. Greek Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos noted that many asylum seekers arriving in Greece aim to eventually make their way to Germany.
Data from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) shows a notable increase in migrant arrivals to Greece in 2024. A total of 62,022 individuals reached Greek shores last year, up from 48,721 in 2023 and just 18,780 in 2022—marking more than a threefold increase over two years.
Interestingly, this rise in Greece contrasts sharply with the overall decline in migrant arrivals across Europe. In 2024, 198,258 migrants entered the continent, down from 270,180 in 2023. Italy, in particular, experienced a dramatic drop, with sea arrivals plunging from 157,671 in 2023 to 66,475 in 2024—a staggering 58% decrease.
Spain, however, mirrored Greece’s upward trend. Migrant numbers rose to 63,427 in 2024, compared to 57,538 in 2023 and 31,763 in 2022. Most arrivals came via the Northwest Africa Sea Route to the Canary Islands, where 46,524 migrants landed in 2024, up from 40,330 the previous year and 15,682 in 2022.
The divergent trends underscore how migration flows are adapting to changing conditions. While some routes are seeing less traffic, others—like those to Greece and Spain—are becoming increasingly active, reshaping the broader picture of migration into Europe.
