The European migrant crisis, also known as the refugee crisis, is a period beginning in 2015 characterised by high numbers of people arriving in the
European Union from across the
Mediterranean Sea or overland through
Southeast Europe following
Turkey's migrant crisis. It is part of a pattern of increased
immigration to Europe from other continents, which began in the mid-20th century and which has encountered resistance in many European countries.
This picture shows Syrian and Iraqi refugees disembarking a boat upon reaching the coastal waters of the island of
Lesbos, Greece, after having crossed the
Mytilini Strait from Turkey. They are being assisted by volunteer lifeguards, in yellow and red clothes, from
Proactiva Open Arms, a Spanish
non-governmental organisation.