EU Policies Forcing Migrants to Use Dangerous Routes

Fears are growing among European leaders that the EU's deal with Turkey to decrease the flow of migrants arriving in Greece will increase boat crossings across the Mediterranean from Libya - Europe's deadliest journey.

The route between Turkey and Greece has effectively been closed. Western Balkan countries have built fences and shut country borders, closing down the irregular 'Balkan route' used by migrants. Subsequently, the numbers of migrants reaching Greece has fallen.

However, European officials are now predicting a surge in migrants arriving in Europe via Libya. It's estimated that between 500,000 and 800,000 migrants will use the deadly route across the Mediterranean Sea.

Migrants stand in line after disembarking from the Norwegian vessel Siem Pilot at Pozzallo's harbour, Italy, March 29, 2016.

© REUTERS / Antonio Parrinello

In 2014, 3,072 people drowned making it the deadliest sea in the world for migrants, according to report, 'Fatal Journeys: Tracking Lives Lost during Migration.'

"The deteriorating security situation in Libya, where many migrants reside prior to their departure for Europe, had also increased migration pressures," the report states. 

@aishizidan Read @IOM_News Report on border-related deaths "Fatal Journeys: Tracking Lives Lost during #Migration " http://t.co/rWMN0igEip

— IOM Helsinki (@IOM_Helsinki) November 22, 2014​

The UN Refugee Agency has said that nearly 14,500 migrants have arrived in Italy from Libya so far this year — 43 percent more than the same time last year. According to the Italian coastguard, 1,482 migrants had to be rescued from the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast in recent days.

Authors of the report attribute the increase in flow of migrants from Libya to the post-revolution chaos in the country making it an "opportune time to make the sea crossing from the Libyan coast, given the less stringent monitoring of the borders and coastline."

The report also suggests sub-Saharan migrants are increasingly being pushed out of the country and into Europe amid "instances of racism, violence, arbitrary arrest and harassment in the country."

Research carried out by the International Organization for Migration suggests, "Europe is the world's most dangerous destination for 'irregular' migrants with the Mediterranean costing the lives of 3,770 in 2015."

The EU-Turkey deal came into effect on March 20 2016, shortly after, nine migrants trying to reach Europe drowned off the Libyan coast with hundreds having to be rescued.

The European pact with Turkey may stem the flow of migrants to Greece — yet with summer approaching, European leaders fear it could increase attempts from Libya.